There appear to be more brands of pinot noir than any other New Zealand wine, so there's a lot to choose from. They may come from Central, of course, but also Waipara, Marlborough, Nelson, Wairarapa and even from Hawkes Bay.
BEST VALUE
$17
Three stars (out of five)
Good value
A light simple wine, made mainly from Waipara and Nelson grapes, with hints of red fruits, plums and berries and a suggestion of savouriness.
$21
Three stars
Average value
Sweet fruit suggesting cherries and plums, with spicy, slightly burnt, savoury undertones, intensity and a lively finish.
$25
Three and a half stars
Average value
Youthful, with plush mouth-filling red fruit, a hint of toffee and spice and lively tannins on the finish.
$35
Four stars
Good value
Typical Central charm - densely flavoured with ripe red and dark berries, a silky texture, complexity and structure, supple tannins and a fresh lingering finish.
$33
Four stars
Good value
A powerful pinot noir, dense with red fruits, undertones of spicy oak, savoury nuances, dusty tannins and a lively finish. For those who enjoy big pinots.
$49
Three and a half stars
Below average value
A mature wine with red fruits mellowed into a savouriness, hints of mineral and spice, a silky texture and crisp finish.
Another Glass
Wither Hills Taylor River Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010
$49
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Below average value
An older, mellow wine developing some complexity, but still with lots of toasty oak, spicy red fruits, and silky tannins.
Sileni Cellar Selection Hawkes bay Pinot Noir 2013
$20
Two and a half stars
Average value
Ripe, almost confected sweet cherry fruit dominates this light, crisp pinot.
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