East Pinot Noir

If you’re looking for a bargain buy Pinot Noir, it’s time to head East.

East Marlborough Pinot Noir was actually due to head west before a deal went south. Made a top Marlborough producer exclusively for an Aussie hotel chain in New South Wales who, due to Covid and lockdowns, have back pedaled on a deal leaving the winery here little choice but to flog it quickly (and discretely) on the NZ market.

We’ve promised not to reveal their name but we can tell you this ’18 vintage Marlborough Pinot Noir is still drinking superbly. Finding half decent Pinot at the budget end of the price spectrum is rarer than hen’s teeth, so as soon as we put our slips around a Pinot like this (priced like this!) we jump into it. This is a juicy, medium bodied style with berry fruit flavours and just a touch of spice. Grab a case or two and quaff away through the summer ahead!

Please note – as this wine was an exclusive label for a hotel chain it has never been sold in retail. However the winery here in NZ has indicated on the domestic market this wine would retail up to $20.