
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a red grape that is one of the most challenging to grow in any part of the world. Due to its thin skin and tight bunches, it is susceptible to both mould and disease. However, when it is successful, it produces some of the most amazing wines in the world. Although its home is Burgundy, it has emerged as a popular variety in Australia. Representing only 1% of grapes crushed, it has built a high profile with a number of world-class, distinctly Australian wines being produced. The greatest examples coming from the cool climates of the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Yarra Valley.
Pinot Noir performs well on the deepish limestone based subsoils that are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. However, yields need to be kept in check. Pinot Noir's concentration and varietal characters disappear rapidly if yields are excessive. Some of the best and most expensive wines in the world are still found in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir also plays a key role in Champagne, being blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In the US, Oregon and Washington state are producing outstanding wines. In New Zealand, great Pinot Noirs are crafted in Martinborough and in Central Otago, New Zealand's only true continental climate.
The thin skins of Pinot Noir mean the wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However, the best wines have grippy tannins, fragrance and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, but as it matures, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouthfeel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey nuances emerging.
Pinot Noir performs well on the deepish limestone based subsoils that are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. However, yields need to be kept in check. Pinot Noir's concentration and varietal characters disappear rapidly if yields are excessive. Some of the best and most expensive wines in the world are still found in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir also plays a key role in Champagne, being blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In the US, Oregon and Washington state are producing outstanding wines. In New Zealand, great Pinot Noirs are crafted in Martinborough and in Central Otago, New Zealand's only true continental climate.
The thin skins of Pinot Noir mean the wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However, the best wines have grippy tannins, fragrance and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, but as it matures, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouthfeel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey nuances emerging.
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- An extremely limited release "pet-nat" sparkling rose! With a secondary ferment in bottle, the result is a version of the regular Gold Digger Rosé that is more bubbly, with complex yeast notes complementing sweeter fruit characteristics. Juicy red fruit and ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- Exclusively produced for United Cellars from vineyards in the northern Wairarapa. Black Doris plum & blackcurrant fruit characters are complemented on the nose by sweet cherry notes. The flavour is all about fruit freshness, with a dry, supple finish. ... Learn MoreTempest Cove Pinot Noir 2020NZ$22.99 Per item
- Exclusively produced for United Cellars from vineyards in the northern Wairarapa. Ripe cherry and plum fruit characters are complemented on the nose by spicy, toasty oak. The flavour is all about fruit freshness, with a mouth-filling, supple finish. ... Learn MoreTempest Cove Pinot Noir 2018NZ$22.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Created by New Zealand winemaking superstar Rebecca Salmond. High quality, single vineyard, artisanal wines from certified organic sites & made with minimal intervention. This is an appealing Pinot Noir displaying ripe red cherry, dried herb and spice characters on the nose. ... Learn MoreOdyssey Homer Pinot Noir 2018NZ$24.99 Per item
- A double Gold Medal winning, single vineyard, Central Otago Pinot Noir! Attractive aromatics of red cherry & spiced plum, with fresh herbs in the background. Beautifully balanced & approachable, with smooth red berry notes & subtle complexity. ... Learn MoreMount Michael The Mountaineer Pinot Noir 2018NZ$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A perfectly aged Central Otago Pinot for a steal of a price. Bright cherry, strawberry & dried herb aromatics, accentuated on the palate. The wine shows rich savoury flavours with fine, chalky tannins which provides sturdy structure and length. This is ... Learn MoreMt Dunstan Pinot Noir 2015NZ$34.99 Per item
- A perfectly aged Central Otago Pinot for a steal of a price. Bright cherry, strawberry & dried herb aromatics, accentuated on the palate. The wine shows rich savoury flavours with fine, chalky tannins which provides sturdy structure and length. This is ... Learn MoreMt Dunstan Pinot Noir 2014NZ$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 95/100 Sam Kim: "Terrific fruit purity together with delightful spicy complexity, finishing long and delicious." Big Sky is a small, family-owned vineyard, making limited production hand-crafted wines from their low cropping single block vineyard right under the big southern sky. Situated ... Learn MoreBig Sky Te Muna Pinot Noir 2018NZ$36.00 Per itemOut of stock
- A savoury & cellerable Pinot Noir hand-picked from 20+ yr old vines in the heart of the Waipara Valley, on Church Road. A rich bouquet of black cherries, raspberries & exotic spice, with rich earthy undertones. The palate is complex & well balanced with ... Learn MoreAtaahua Pinot Noir 2017NZ$37.00 Per item
- A funky, smokey nose of cloves, tobacco leaf and a suggestion of rose hip and berries. Soft, silky mouth-feel with reflections of an Old World Burgundy. Flavours of plum, cranberry and chewy red licorice with smooth, gentle tannins. The wine ... Learn MoreConey Pizzicato Pinot Noir 2018NZ$37.98 Per item
- Raymond Chan, 18+/20: "A soft, plush and juicy Pinot Noir with dark berry, plum and thyme herb flavours, and a fine-textured mouthfeel". A highly sought after library release from Otago's legendary producers, Matt & James Dicey. A composition of the Inlet & Black ... Learn MoreCeres Composition Pinot Noir Library Release 2014NZ$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A single vineyard and unfiltered expression of Bannockburn terrior, the epitome of the Central Otago wine region. Created by the viticulturist James Dicey and award winning winemaker Brendan Seal. A gentle fragrance of red and black cherries, icing sugar, fresh ... Learn MoreCherry Orchard Pinot Noir 2018NZ$39.99 Per item
- Sustainably grown & handpicked from this family owned & operated vineyard, this is a very stylish wine. Ruby hued red with a scented bouquet of cherries and dark fruits, laced with a thread of herbs. Textural, silky tannins add finesse and structure, ... Learn MoreLocharburn Pinot Noir 2018NZ$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Uplifting aromatics of sweet violet, a touch of spicy wild thyme and layers of fragrant red currants, raspberries and black cherries. Finely grained tannins and bright acidity are beautifully balanced and together with the ambrosial aromas to deliver a joyful, ... Learn MoreHawkshead Pinot Noir 2019NZ$43.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A boutique, single vineyard Felton Rd Pinot Noir; normally reserved exclusively for the cellar door. Rich, warm perfumes of raspberry, boysenberry, plum & red fruits. Deep fruit flavours along with good structure and balance promise a wine that will just get ... Learn MoreGate 20 Two Pinot Noir 2017NZ$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Intense aromatics of vibrant cherry, smokey boysenberry & savoury undertones. Generous fruit flavours of chewy black cherry, plum & rasberry compote with drying, chalky tannins. A complex style of Pinot Noir showing the abundant fruit of NZ combined with the robust tannins ... Learn MoreTongue In Groove Cabal Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015NZ$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Known to be in the top 3% of all wines in the world, sourced from the magnificent Pisa Range in one of Central Otago's most unique vineyard parcels. These soils and the sheltered location help to give the wine more harmony, ... Learn MoreLowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir 2019NZ$49.99 Per item
- Clonal variation is probably the main source of distinctive and complex Pinot Noir. This Reserve Pizzicato Pinot is derived from six distinct clones. The result is a wine of gravitas and tight structure with a lovely silky texture - a ... Learn MoreConey Reserve Pinot Noir 2016NZ$52.99 Per item
- One of the most legendary Pinots in NZ, grown on the shores of Lake Wanaka. Equally youthful on the palate with a vibrant and energy filled flavour profile - crushed rocks, dark red berry fruits, oak spice and whispers of ... Learn MoreRippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2017NZ$56.90 Per itemOut of stock
- Lovingly crafted by Jen Parr, NZ Winemaker of the Year 2019. This is an elegant expression of the Bannockburn sub-region with lovely red and blue fruit, camphor and florals supported by fine tannins intricately woven around fresh acidity. This Pinot Noir ... Learn MoreThe Tapui Collection Pinot Noir By Jen Parr 2019NZ$60.00 Per item
- Valli's Bendigo is reflects the very warm climate of this area producing dark, rich, lush wines. Showcasing aromas of Cherry Cola, now synonymous with Valli Pinot Noir, along with notes of boysenberry, mulberry, coconut and vanilla. Dense, powerful and persistent ... Learn MoreValli 'Bendigo Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2017NZ$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Gold Medal winner at the New Zealand International Wine Show. Valli's Bannockburn wines reflect the warm climate of the area by displaying denser, more powerful Pinot Noir flavours. Aromatics balanced between power and poise showcase wild florals, along with plump ... Learn MoreValli 'Bannockburn Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2017NZ$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A highly sought after library release from Otago's legendary producers, Matt & James Dicey. A single vineyard wine from the Inlet vineyard, one of the best in Bannockburn. This engaging and mesmerising wine offers a seductive bouquet which shows aromas of ... Learn MoreCeres "The Artists Collection" Inlet Pinot Noir Library Release 2015NZ$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A highly sought after library release from Otago's legendary producers, Matt & James Dicey. A single vineyard wine from the Black Rabbit vineyard, one of the best in Bannockburn. This engaging and mesmerising wine offers a seductive bouquet which shows sweet ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- A single vineyard wine made exclusively in Bendigo, Central Otago and labelled as The Canyon only in exceptional vintages. Beautiful floral aromas with elegant berry fruits, spice and dried herbs. The palate is elegantly opulent with ripe fruits, great acidity, ... Learn MoreTarras The Canyon Pinot Noir 2017NZ$69.99 Per item
- Valli's Bannockburn wines reflect the warm climate of the area by displaying denser, more powerful Pinot Noir flavours. Aromatics balanced between power and poise showcase wild florals, along with plump berries, violets and wood smoke. An energetic palate with bright ... Learn MoreValli 'Bannockburn Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2018NZ$69.99 Per item
- A real gem for lovers of Waitaki or Burgundian Pinot Noir, showing incredible consistency in the perfume and minerality of the wines. Engaging and fragrant in it's youth with fruit aromas of wild strawberry, sweet cherry, and plum married with ... Learn MoreValli 'Waitaki Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2018NZ$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Valli's Bendigo is reflects the very warm climate of this area producing dark, rich, lush wines. Showcasing aromas of Cherry Cola, now synonymous with Valli Pinot Noir, along with notes of boysenberry, mulberry, coconut and vanilla. Dense, powerful and persistent ... Learn MoreValli 'Bendigo Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2018NZ$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Valli’s Gibbston reflects one of the coolest sub regions of Otago, producing wines of elegance and complexity of flavour. An alluring ripe cherry, raspberry and rose petal nose, with nuances of mushroom and cardamom. A sophisticated and layered palate ... Learn MoreValli 'Gibbston Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2018NZ$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Deep ruby in colour with aromas of roses, briar and a hint of vanilla. Fine tannins and good weight, underpinning dark cherry, blackberry, spice and briar notes with a hint of oak. Well balanced, good length and a persistent finish. ... Learn MoreWild Earth Pinot Noir 2008NZ$75.00 Per item
- A fresh and attractive nose offers up notes of both red and dark berry fruit scents that exhibit a background note of violets. The delicious, round and seductively textured flavors possess a fleshy mouth feel that beautifully complements the balanced, ... Learn MoreDenis Bachelet Bourgogne Rouge 2015NZ$76.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Garnet in colour with heady aromas of black cherries, blackberries, spice and forest floor with a touch of dried herbs. Quite broad on the palate, full and round with sweet flavours of blackberry, cassis, underpinned with earthy, dusty notes and ... Learn MoreJohn Forrest Collection Pinot Noir 2013NZ$79.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A beautifully rich, reserve tier Pinot Noir, only made in exceptional years, by the renowned Dean Shaw. Exotic black fruit flavours with soft & intense elegant tannins. Hand selected, hand harvested & hand sorted for exceptional quality. ... Learn MoreNevis Bluff Reserve Pinot Noir 2015NZ$79.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Minimal intervention, low sulfites & vegan friendly, this wine is a pure expression of Pinot, hand harvested from the "Professors' Block". Elegantly floating across the palate with flavours of forest berries, vanilla, hints of violets and wood spice. The complex, yet ... Learn MoreMaori Point Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2016NZ$84.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Bob Campbell: 93/100 "A very good example of Marlborough pinot noir with red fruits, a suggestion of floral and attractive spicy oak that flatters rather than competes with winemaker artefact." James Suckling: 93/100 "Very layered and all seamlessly integrated with bright red ... Learn MoreFromm Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018NZ$89.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Iconic single-vineyard Pinot Noir of the highest standard. A wine of precision and "unforced masculinity", the Tinker's is drawn from Rippon's oldest vines in rocky schist soils, on the gentle slopes next to Lake Wanaka. Family owned, biodynamically grown and ... Learn MoreRippon Tinkers Field Pinot Noir 2017NZ$98.90 Per itemOut of stock
- Cameron Douglas: 95/100 "Well made, classic Dry River, very youthful and quite complex, lengthy detailed finish, a delight to taste." One of New Zealand's most iconic wineries! There is a light charred oak note present, similar to toasted almonds. Flowery aromas ... Learn MoreDry River Pinot Noir 2018NZ$98.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Extremely rare, small parcel Gevrey-Chambertin of amazing elegance & finesse. From what is being claimed as "the vintage of a lifetime" this wine is a perfect combination of fruit, structure & sensuality. Endlessly smooth, soft & complex with easily 10-20 years of cellaring. ... Learn MoreDomaine Thomson Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Evocelles" 2015NZ$114.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A very strong example of the 2015 vintage, with the nose jumping from the glass in a superb blend of black cherries, black plums, raw cocoa and a nice framing of nutty new wood. On the palate the wine is pure, ... Learn MoreDenis Bachelet Cotes De Nuits Villages 2015NZ$115.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Domaine Henri Richard is located in Gevrey on the D974, a little south of Domaine Trapet. It is a fourth generation family estate owned by Margeret and Jean Bastien and their children Sarah and Richard – with Sarah Bastien and Guillaume ... Learn MoreHenri Richard Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Corvees 2016NZ$132.00 Per itemOut of stock