In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles

Vineyards in Seddon, South East of Marlborough’s Wairau Plains in the Awatere Valley.

The purity of fruit, natural balance and elegance of New Zealand Pinot Noir is reason for this notoriously unpredictable grape variety’s surge in the south. Though the first commercial bottlings were only in 1987, New Zealand is now globally recognised for the quality Pinot it delivers.

From the cooler regions of Wairarapa (North Island), Marlborough, North Canterbury and Central Otago (all South Island), among others, stylistic differences, due to climatic and soil diversity, have become notable, and regionality is now a topic of focus for wine experts and Pinot enthusiasts alike.

From Marlborough, red fruits and aromatic freshness are common markers of the region, Wairarapa is often savoury, while Central Otago Pinots can be darker in fruit character with spicy notes and more noticeable tannins.


Scroll down to discover 15 top-scoring New Zealand Pinot Noir wines from DWWA 2023


At the Decanter World Wine Awards, this is what the judges look for when awarding top medals: quality in relation to grape typicity and regionality. And at the 2023 competition, ‘Pinot Noir was an excellent performer’, commented Cameron Douglas MS, DWWA Regional Chair for New Zealand, noting ‘regional and even some sub-regional voices heard through the wines’.

Judging with Douglas on the New Zealand panel, the late Philip Tuck MW added: ‘I have always championed Pinot Noir. In the next 10 years, when people realise how well – given its freshness, soft tannins and often moderate alcohol – Pinot Noir goes with so many foods, it will become increasingly popular.’

An expert-rated guide to explore New Zealand’s regional expressions of Pinot Noir, below discover a selection of top-awarded wines from the Decanter World Wine Awards, with more to seek out at awards.decanter.com

In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles

The regional standouts

Palliser Estate, Hua Nui, Martinborough, Wairarapa 2021

Best in Show, 97 points
palliser.co.nz
A forthright and vital wine, which evokes raspberries and plums on the nose. Energetic and exuberant, its structure derives from that force of fruit, darkened by oak and lifted by ripe, fruit-dense acidity rather than tannins. Smooth, assured and impressive. Alcohol 13.5%

Rockburn, The Chosen Hillside, Central Otago 2021


Platinum, 97 points
rockburn.co.nz
Luxuriously plush red cherry and juicy redcurrant melt into a warming, toasty oak core. Rich and structured with a superb lift of acidity and a sumptuous pillow of tannin. Youthful and promising with a long, rustic finish. Alc 13.5%

Valli, Bannockburn Vineyard, Central Otago 2021


Platinum, 97 points
£33 (ib) Burnett & Herbert, Farr Vintners, Lay & Wheeler
An energetic burst of red berry, plum and cherry infused with a forest floor and truffly mushroom undercurrent. Exquisitely poised with velvety tannins and a beautifully youthful, autumn leaf texture. Long and peppery. Alc 13.5%

Central Otago

McArthur Ridge, Southern Tor, Alexandra Basin 2021


Gold. 96 points
mcarthurridge.com
A delightfully aromatic fruit basket of raspberry, plum and red cherry underpinned by a savoury, dried herb and stony mineral core. Juicy acidity and silky tannins. Alc 13.5%

Nanny Goat Vineyard 2021


Gold, 96 points
£19.99 Waitrose
Delectable dark cherry and dried raspberry with a whisper of bracken, stony mineral and thyme intricately enfolded in the mellow tannins and smoky, permeating acidity. Alc 13.5%

Wild Earth 2021


Gold, 96 points
£33.99 Available via UK agent Liberty Wines
Generously laden with dark plums, blackcurrant, raspberry and earthy spice, with a searing, youthful backbone of acidity and textured tannins. Intriguing and immersive. Alc 13.5%

Three Miners, Warden’s Court 2020


Gold, 95 points
threeminers.com
Striking aromas of cherries and plums with a gorgeously plush velvety texture, an exquisite spine of acidity and charming, fine-spun…


Source : https://www.decanter.com/decanter-world-wine-awards/in-pursuit-of-pinot-the-allure-of-new-zealands-regional-styles-523187/

In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles * In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles | | In pursuit of Pinot: The allure of New Zealand’s regional styles |