Central Otago is breathtaking. Not just its picturesque scenery, it’s home to some of the best Pinot Noir New Zealand offers. While many big names are crafting this luxe-y red wine, it tends to be the smaller wineries producing the best. Here, wine writer Joelle Thomson shares her favourites.

Red wine lovers will be familiar with serious wine producers such as Akarua, Felton Road and Mora. However, the tip of a far longer iceberg of beautiful Pinot Noirs is all in the Bannockburn region, one of the driest, windiest and most historically significant sub-regions in Central Otago, where 80 per cent of the land is used for wine-producing.
Founded as a centre of gold mining in the 1800s, Bannockburn's historical remnants can still be seen with stone buildings and their remains dotting the arid landscape here. The old Bannockburn Hotel remains and has had a makeover worthy of visiting for great wine and food, not to mention the roaring fire - it’s an ideal place to escape to in the depth of winter for a relaxing weekend with friends.

Read on to discover Thomson’s favourite Central Otago, Point Noir to sip this winter.

Akarua Pinot Noir, $43

If Chardonnay is the queen of the Akarua winery, then Pinot Noir is king. The Maori word Akarua translates to two vines and is the name chosen by Sir Clifford Skeggs, who planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on his terraced vineyard in Bannockburn. Last year, he sold the vineyard and winery to the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage group, continuing the brand legacy and intent of producing more great wines. With 78 per cent of the wines Pinot, they have a red plum and ripe cherry aroma leading into beautifully structured, full-bodied wines. In addition, each bottle offers a refreshing silky textural quality, including this 2021 variety.

Graze with: hot smoked salmon on seed crackers

Dine with: roasted yams and sweet potato salad with greens
Rating: 18.5/20

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Mora Pinot Noir Bannockburn, $50

Talk about an impressive 2022 wine. In Latin, “mora” means to linger or pause, which is exactly the effect this Pinot Noir will have on your palette. Mora Wines is a family affair; it’s the latest venture for the Skeggs, who are famous for their multi-award-winning wine brand Akarua (now owned by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage). They also produce standout RUA wines, including an impressive Pinot Noir. This Mora has ripe plum aromas that follow with bold, full-body freshness. The depths of flavour in this wine are spectacular. Rich and tasty, complex, spicy, completely dry, and every sip lingers - I am a big fan.

Graze with: Grilled zucchini with sourdough or a selection of quality olives

Dine with: grilled wild venison with green winter salad leaves

Rating: 19/20

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Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir, $80

This beautiful 32-hectare Calvert Vineyard winds its way around a substantial portion of Felton Road in Bannockburn and is one of the region’s most impressive vineyard sites for the wind produced. Structured Pinot Noirs with lithe silky textures are a rarity. This wine is consistently good, especially the 2021 vintage, made by the wineries Blair Walter - it’s my favourite.

Graze with: gruyere cheese with seed crackers

Dine with: Wild mushrooms grilled with Parmigiano, drizzled with olive oil and fresh rocket leaves

Rating: 18.5/20