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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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 -
A pure expression from New Zealand's most loved Pinot Noir region- Central Otago. Bright ruby red with deep aromas of sweet plum, light cherry cola & hints of toasty truffles. Light-medium bodied with soft, inviting raspberry, plum & vanilla flavours, a firm ... Learn MoreThe Tapui Collection Regional Pinot Noir 2018NZ$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 2015NZ$34.99 Per item -
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 itemOut of stock -
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 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$41.00 Per item -
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 -
Bob Campbell: "Elegant, fragrant, almost ethereal pinot noir with violet, cherry and red fruit flavours, plus a seasoning of spices and nutty oak." Marlborough is now a serious contender among any list of NZ's best Pinot Noirs. The fruit for ... Learn MoreGreywacke Pinot Noir 2018NZ$46.99 Per item -
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 itemOut of stock -
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 -
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 itemOut of stock -
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$68.99 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. The fruit shines through on ... Learn MoreValli 'Gibbston Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2019NZ$69.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Valli's Bendigo reflects the very warm climate of this area producing dark, rich, lush wines. Deep garnet hue with bright fruit aromas of blackberry, cherry, and mulberry with toasted almond, coffee and cedar. Fresh summer berries on the palate with ... Learn MoreValli 'Bendigo Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2019NZ$69.99 Per item -
Valli's Bannockburn wines reflect the warm climate of the area by displaying denser, more powerful Pinot Noir flavours. The wine has an earthy garnet hue with a highly aromatic bouquet of dried herb, lilac, Doris plum, blackberry, bay leaf and ... Learn MoreValli 'Bannockburn Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2019NZ$69.99 Per item -
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 More -
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 More -
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 -
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 -
A real gem for lovers of Waitaki, 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 sage, wild thyme and ... Learn MoreValli 'Waitaki Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2019NZ$79.99 Per item -
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 -
James Suckling: "Fresh aromas of red cherries and red-plum pastry here. This has very attractive, alluring style." Situated in Bannockburn, the vineyard is named after Sam Neill's father who ran the family's wine merchant business Neill & Co. The Fusilier is 5.6 ... Learn MoreTwo Paddocks Proprietors Reserve The Fusilier Pinot Noir 2018NZ$82.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Traditionally a blend of predominantly Alexandra fruit from their Last Chance and Red Bank farm vineyards. Sam Neill and team have upped the ante by launching their now fully-accredited organic status with BioGro logos on their labels. Aromas of bright ... Learn MoreTwo Paddocks Proprietors Reserve The First Paddock Pinot Noir 2018NZ$82.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Palliser Estate is one of Martinborough's most established names, producing sustainably grown wines that are world renowned. Floral and herbal notes evoking cherry, rose, violet and thyme deliver a fragrant aromatic presence to complete a wine replete with style and ... Learn MorePalliser Estate Wharekauhau Pinot Noir 2018NZ$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 item -
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 item -
One of New Zealand's most iconic wineries! There is a light charred oak note present, similar to toasted almonds. Flowery aromas like cherry blossom, violets and Christmas lilies are combined with plums, boysenberry and liquorice. The palate, too, has an ... Learn MoreDry River Pinot Noir 2019NZ$98.99 Per item -
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 -
An amazing library release from one of New Zealand's most iconic wineries! The pioneers of collectable fine wine in Aotearoa. The nose is loaded with bright red berry fruit and alludes to the softness and elegance of the wine to ... Learn MoreDry River Pinot Noir 2012 Library ReleaseNZ$119.99 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 -
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 2012NZ$132.00 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 2017NZ$139.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Celebrate the latest release of the internationally acclaimed Dry River wines. Each vintage is unique & none celebrate it better than Dry River, with organic farming and low-intervention winemaking practices. Join us as we sip & chat our way ... Learn More
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This pack includes a 4th library release Pinot Noir from Wilco Lam's first vintage as head winemaker, to be tasted at the end of the session in a smaller, more intimate group- extremely limited allocations!
Celebrate the ... Learn More -
Jancis Robinson: "Fairly light nose – unexpectedly. Broad, sweet, ripe fruit. Flattering. Lots of impressive ripeness and density. Bright and sweet." John Gilman: "This is one of the finest young vintages of Clos Vougeot I have tasted from the domaine in ... Learn MoreDomaine Meo Camuzet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2018NZ$649.99 Per item
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