FOUR plush pinot noirs

1 Joseph Drouhin Rully, Burgundy 2020, France, £21.99, Waitrose

So, here we have it… the spiritual home of pinot noir, the best Burgundy comes with a princely sum to match. But if you really want to know what all the fuss is about, this poised pinot from Rully, south of Beaune – offers regional character and value. Drop dead gorgeous from word go, think silky, sensuous, scents of raspberries at the fore with flavours of cassis, herbal notes and touch of wet undergrowth on the silky finish.

2 Toast & Honey Pinot Noir 2022, California, USA, £14.99, Majestic

Some might say that early 2000s cult movie Sideways put pinot on the map. But there’s no escaping the Californian sunshine that blesses this grape with a spicy sweetness. On the nose it’s a floral treat with raspberries, cherries and intriguing toasty notes; similar flavours unfold on the palate with playful touches of baking spice on the very smooth finish.

3 Errazuriz Estate Reserva Pinot Noir 2021, Aconcagua, Chile, £8.99, Waitrose

Chile’s cool-climate vineyards are a haven for pinot noir, lightbodied wines with delicacy and freshness. With its typical varietal nose of strawberries and raspberries, this delectable ruby red offers ethereal violet in the mix; and a combination of silky red fruits, earth and tart cherry on the crisp finish.

4 Lergenmüller Pinot Noir Trocken 2021, Pfalz, Germany, £14.99, Virgin Wines

Relatively under the radar, Germany excels at pinot noir and this one – similar in style to a Burgundy, considered the pinnacle of pinot noir – is worth seeking out. Delightful aromatics headline with hints of violets, but there’s a wonderful just-picked redcurrant fruit freshness with elevated acidity that keeps you coming back for more.