Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most notoriously difficult and expensive red grape varieties to grow, with only a handful of regions in the world producing top quality results on a consistent basis.
Alsace, Burgundy, Central Otago, Germany Marlborough, Martinborough, North Canterbury, Oregon, Tasmania and parts of Victoria in South Australia can all make excellent expressions of Pinot Noir but the best tend to high priced, which makes affordable Pinot something of a rarity.
The picture is slowly changing. As more cool‑climate regions refine site selection and vineyard management, the global quality of Pinot Noir is rising and, in some cases, pricing pressure is easing, bringing wines such as these to our wine glasses.
2025 Red Hut Pinot Noir RRP $35.99
This youthful Central Otago Pinot Noir is a wine with precise red and black cherry fruit aromas, supported by subtle spice and a gentle oak influence. Lifted fresh dried herb aromas lead into this wine's finely tuned fresh acidity, which brings a long finish to each sip. Silky tannins sit unobtrusively in this wine, allowing the purity of fruit to lead. 17.5/20
2025 Bento Wrattonbully Pinot Noir RRP $22.99
South Australia is a powerhouse of red wine but most of it is not Pinot Noir, as in this wine from Wrattonbully, situated between Padthaway and Coonawarra. This wine is designed with food pairing in mind and it shines with bold dark‑cherry and plum aromas, hints of spice and a tangy fresh structure. Fruit concentration is notable for the price and this wine has very good balance, making it a very good pairing with savoury food. Very good value for money. 17.5/20
2025 Mullet Pinot Noir RRP $21.99
A lighter‑styled South Australian Pinot Noir showing the influence of a warm growing season, reflected in its 15% alcohol. Aromas are savoury with dried herb and dark‑berry notes, moderate tannins and a warm finish. A sound, regionally expressive wine with straightforward drinkability. 16.5/20
