BEST PINOT NOIR

Jackson Estate Homestead Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 ($23)

★★★★★

Matt Patterson-green has crafted a pinot noir with serious personality, pluck and charm, and despite being a spring chicken, it’s also showing some of the depth and seductive spice of a characterful cougar. The tannins are what get me though; they have delicate grip but lovely intensity. The acidity and textures are vibrant and alive, and the cranberry and cherry complexity make it amazing value for money. jacksonestate.co.nz

Palliser Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019 ($57) ★★★★★

I’ll admit to having a less-than-sensible obsession with the black guava, cherry, blueberry, and black tea brilliance in this bottle of Martinborough magic. I also love its rosehip tea, forest floor and earthy, wild redcurrant flavours and its buckets of berries, chewy tannins and its long, impressively savoury finish. It’s a true “try before you die” pinot noir because it has clarity, power, and grace and layers of moody, broody brilliance. So succulent and spicy, it’s beyond delicious with wild mushroom risotto. palliser.co.nz

Doctors Flat Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 ($52)

★★★★★

Steve Davies crafts his organic pinot by putting a portion of whole clusters into the ferment to inject a softer, fruitier layer. Those bunches essentially ferment inside their own skins, and the result is a wild and woolly wine erupting with baked tamarillo, black tea, and cherry notes. Saucy spices and a tweak of truffle on the finish add to its complexity, and it roars with mushroom pasta. doctorsflat.co.nz