Central Otago Pinot Expo 2026

Aromatic pinot noir with floral/red rose/violet, cherry, red-fleshed plum, wild thyme and raspberry flavours. Purity and restrained power with an impressively lengthy finish. Deliciously accessible wine with obvious cellaring potential. (95) BOB CAMPBELL, The Real Review

This is riper with dark cherries and red plums as well as hints of cocoa and light spices. Medium-bodied, compact and mouth-filling with fine, silky tannins. Layered and taut, yet fresh and vivid with a flavorful finish. Drink now. Sustainable. Screw cap. JAMES SUCKLING

Vivid and racy, with wild berries, smoke and matchsticks on the nose, following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Textured and juicy. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap. JAMES SUCKLING

A youthful and dark cherry red in the glass. A touch of reduction on first smell, then sap, spice, dark cherry, charred oak and charcuterie all kick in. Fleshy, blue fruited and mouth-filling, with youthful vibrancy, texture and length. AARON BRASHER, The Real Review

Cherry, plum, a bit smoky and spicy, plenty of thyme and rosemary, and very Central Otago in that way. It’s medium to full-bodied, a bit of dusty grip to tannin, and some mocha and strawberry, but also a comes over slightly rubbery and bitter, some orange peel in the mix, and quite lively juicy acidity. Length is solid, and kind of grainy in the tannin department. I’d think this will be a better wine with a year or two on it, so it can relax a bit. GARY WALSH, The Wine Front

A pure sweet nose of cherry and strawberry with subtle woody and spice inflections. The palate is notably firmer, as grainy, stalky tannins grip early towards the front, turning to cocoa and cassia as it goes on. Despite these evident secondary characters, the wine is clearly built on its core of mouth-coating, sweet fruit. Lovely fruit concentration of good length, wrapped in sweet oak and a firm coating of structure which will see it develop savoury complexity over the coming decade STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

Black raspberry, cherry and anise adorn this compact, mid-weight pinot. The tannins are a feature here, building quickly on the palate towards the firm, cocoa finish where a persistent charry grip holds court. The fruit adopts a savoury edge with black olive appearing at the end of a fairly long finish. This will need time in bottle to come together and absorb its notable structure. STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

The hottest vintage on record has resulted in an above average alcohol, a silken texture and more weight than usual. Ripe cherry, plum, struck-flint, violet and spicy oak flavours. An accessible wine that can be enjoyed now but should develop well with bottle age (95) BOB CAMPBELL, The Real Reveiw

The 2023 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir is vibrant, lithe, spicy, saturated with red fruit flavor and persistent through the finish. In the mouth, the tannins are chalky, fine and pliable, and they serve to shape the fruit as it flows across the palate. The acidity contributes a little race and pace to the palate, but it all works in concert. This is a delicious wine of personality and elegance but, most importantly, of place. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. (94) ERIN LARKIN, The Wine Advocate

Ripe and toasty with houjicha aromas adding dimension to the black fruit. The flavours continue apace on the powerful, sinewy and structured palate, framed by ripe, grippy tannins and an earthy, chocolaty finish. Very drying as the tannins build on the back. A winemaker's style of wine which needs some time to come together. STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

Aromas of flowers, beans, brine and black cherries follow through to a medium body with fine and integrated tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. This needs some bottle age or at least air before serving. Best from 2026. Screw cap. JAMES SUCKLING

Dense purple fruit with, violet and floral sweetness over a perfumed and layered bouquet which manages to pull off elegance. The structure and austerity close in on the back-palate with an iron-rich intensity as the tannins firm up, finishing quite firm on the end. The grip needs time to resolve but there is elegance and flow here which will emerge in bottle. A powerful and sinewy pinot noir with a long and persistent, detailed finish, designed for cellaring. (95) STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

FIVE STARS - Displaying really pristine aromas of red cherry and pomegranate fruit with only the faintest hint of dark plum. There is a some rose petal and dried thyme too. Bright and precise, the tannins are beautifully managed, layering across the palate but not dominating. A concentrated, intense pinot that manages to retain a lovely floral lift. A long savoury finish (96) JASPER MORRIS MW

Moderately deep crimson, lighter on the rim. The nose is immediately pleasing, with concentrated aromas of cherry, black raspberry, deep floral, undergrowth, and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, with aromas of red cherry and black raspberry entwined with tamarillo, unfolding black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg spices, undergrowth and hibiscus. Lacy, enticing acidity flows with good energy and precision. Finely woven, powdery tannins coated the mouth in satin and imparted deep fragrances that lingered. An exceptional vintage, this wine is a classic Gibbston Pinot Noir, seductive, harmonious, and profound, one for the long-term cellar (98) RAYMOND CHAN

The 2023 Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir is fresh, juicy and texturally detailed, with chalky, supple tannins that fill the mouth and saline acidity that courses through the layers of floral, red-berry fruit. There is real drive and elegance here. It's a superb wine, as all of these Valli Pinots tend to be. (96) ERIN LARKIN, Wine advocate

Subtle, multifarious layers of perfumed complexity from wildflowers and dried herb to raspberry bush and baking spice, all delicately arrayed across the light-weight but energetic palate. Very smooth and silky, the flavours come together towards roasted nuts, oyster-shell minerality and a hint of flint on the back-palate before expanding again with airiness and savoury, mushroomy interest on the finish. A beautifully light and intricate pinot with fascinating flow and delicacy, this is finely poised and will evolve slowly (95) STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

Gorgeously sweet violet and wild blackberry coulis on the nose. Anise spice, lavender and wild thyme adds complexity to the youthful, mid-weight flavours which gently coat the palate, supported by light but grippy tannins. Not a blockbuster but a slow burner, it gains sweetness as it softens to notes of cinnamon and sandalwood. Elegant and poised pinot noir which is approachable now but will reward cellaring with more layered complexity. STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

Bright and lifted aromas of strawberries, wild raspberries, citrus peel and cherries on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy tannins giving notes of blackberries, mocha, lead pencil and wet bark. Refined and pure with 5% whole-cluster. Drink or hold. (96) JAMES SUCKLING

Complex aromas of dried strawberries and green tea with some bark and mushrooms. Medium-bodied, this has soft and very fine tannins that give form to the wine overall, delivering similar flavors to the palate at the end. Unique pinot character here in an agile and airy way. Drink or hold. Screw cap. JAMES SUCKLING

Medium-deep, bright ruby colour with a strong tint of purple; the bouquet is fresh and fruit driven, with bright raspberry, red cherry and balsamic herb nuances, showing impressive detail for such a young pinot, and the palate is concentrated and powerful, with impressive depth of flavour and detail, line and length, wonderful sweetly ripe berry fruit flavours and tremendous persistence. This is a stunning pinot noir with terrific detail allied to power, length and serious structure. Great drinking now, and will surely age superbly. (98) HUON HOOKE, The Real Review

This delightful Pinot from Terra Sancta’s high-altitude vineyard in Bannockburn flirts with the senses from first swirl to last sip. It greets you with a medium-bright ruby hue and an inviting bouquet of violets, lavender, thyme and fresh red berries, before delivering a juicy medley of cherries, raspberries and boysenberry on the palate—with a dash of spice, mocha and earthy bramble to keep things interesting. The texture is silky and approachable with soft, supple tannins and a finish that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back. Hand-picked from sandy, steep slopes, wild-fermented and bottled without fining or filtration, this medium-bodied Pinot is pure, vibrant and full of Central Otago charm.

The first vintage for new winemaker Matt Connell, and a good year in which to start. This is from the Pisa sub-region. Not much in the way of oak, just 10% new. Dark plum and cherry, plenty of spice, a little nougat richness, thyme and assorted herb perfume. It’s medium-bodied, plenty of sappy and spicy flavour, a little grainy grip to tannin, with a slightly tangy bitter orange and quinine finish of solid length. It’s a lively wine that carries the signature of Otago Pinot. GARY WALSH, The Wine Front

Beautifully fruited and inviting, the wine shows dark plum, floral, clove, and toasted almond characters. The palate delivers succulent fruit intensity with spicy nuances, well supported by silky texture and polished tannins, finishing harmonious and flavoursome. SAM KIM, Wine Orbit

Medium ruby-red with a purple core, even colour throughout. The nose is gently full, with aromas of fresh cherry, blackberry, thyme and cinnamon. Medium-full bodied, aromas of blackberry, black cherry, entwined with thyme, black pepper and cinnamon. The fruit is forward and dark-toned, lightly structured by dusty tannin and contributes subtle spice complexity. Youthful and ready to drink, with a typical Central Otago Pinot Noir expression. Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

Bright ruby with enchantingly pure raspberry, redcurrant and red cherry fruits, layers of Medina spice, light biscuity oak, crushed schist, some sous bois way in the distance, pomegranate, mountain herbs and meadow flowers. I really like the crisp detail of the aromatics in this wine. There's a subtle layering on the palate, fruit and spice intertwining and dancing around, tannins silty, with a pleasant amount of chew and a bright mineral cadence powering the wine along. Cracker! DAVE BROOKS

A captivating bouquet, precise and new, fresh and varietal, complex and detailed, subtle and intriguing. Aromas and flavours of fresh red cherry flesh and soil-smoke of stony clay, then lees and layers of wood spice and roses. As the wine opens out on the palate so too so the flavours of fruit and mineral, a sense of site and reflection of vintage. Excellent structure - tannins are polished, fine and in abundance, acidity carries flavours and tension. A lovely wine, very youthful and will develop slowly if you decide to cellar. CAMERON DOUGLAS MW

A fresh and forward pinot noir with a lightly herbal note adorning its bright cherry, berry fruit. The direct fruit flavours are gently held by light, herbal tannins which persist right through to the finish. A light and approachable, drink-now style with accessible fruit. STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

Dense and well-built, showing sour cherries, forest berries, cocoa, leather and warm spices. Medium-bodied, driven and serious with plenty of focus, volume and texture alongside fine tannins. Long, lively finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. JAMES SUCKLING

A bigger style of pinot with black cherry, olive and ume with a hint of savoury development under noticeable spicy oak. The palate is firmly structured with ripe, almost salty concentration of very ripe fruit with some notes of dried berries and sumac. Long and intense with impressive density but lacking a bit in detail, this large-scaled wine will soften slowly as it absorbs its wood and tannic shell. (94) STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

Crunchy, evident wholebunch gives this a very distinct, aromatic intensity with crushed strawberry, ground spice and pot-pourri. There is a touch of alcoholic warmth to the otherwise rather elegant and delineated palate with light, floral, red berry fruit, bay leaf and long chalky tannins. Wonderful persistence with delicacy and finesse. Very young and currently showing its bony side, this will come together in the next year or two to reveal a darker fruit tone which lurks underneath, as well as the depth of flavours residing within the whole-bunch shell. A sleeper. STEPHEN WONG, The Real Review

This is floral, with a delicate nose of cranberries, dried flowers and a pleasant herbal note. The palate is medium-bodied and savory, with tightly wound, crunchy red fruit framed by delicate, fine-grained tannins that add depth and dimension. 100% whole clusters, with one daily pigeage and 22 days of total maceration. Drink now or hold. JamesSuckling.com

Deep crimson garnet with a ruby purple glow.  While there is power and depth here there is also clarity. Dense Doris plum and dark cherry deliver a freshness and lift over brown spice rack complexity. There is a deep core of primary fruit and a hint of warm baking spice and cinnamon buns leading into spiced raspberry with hints of red rose petal.

A generous yet juicy entry with plum and dark cherry over raspberry coulis. Super fresh with hints of cherry ripe and long, so long, intense but open and supple. The tannins are very slippery and seductive but finish with resonant energy, lively but silky at the same time. The whole bunch and oak, almost invisible but structurally sub textural. Velvet and cherry through to the finish. With a seemingly endless line of flavour, 5 to 8 years in the cellar without too much trouble.