Straw yellow; varietal ripe apple-led fruit fragrances; dry, well-structured palate sustained by pleasing acidity through to a long-lingering finish. It pairs very well with steamed small crustaceans, spaghetti with clams and grilled zucchini.

Lifted aromatics of quince, spiced pears, stonefruits, beeswax and yellow florals.

Central Otago Pinot's are generally more user-friendly than Burgundy; Rabbit Ranch is very soft fruit-forward style with soft tannins; best enjoyed young.

Pinot Gris really loves Marlborough. The Isabel Estate team always ensure that each vine is treated to the right amount of sunshine, for perfect harvests of superbly ripened Pinot Gris. This wine has rich aromas of nectarine, white pear, clover honey and hints of coconut.

Nanny Goat Vineyard is the clear leader of the pack when it comes to affordable Central Otago Pinot Noir. Made in a fruit forward style with mounds of fresh berry fruit and intense lifted perfume notes of violet and blueberry. Still medium-bodied on the palate with soft, powdery tannin, this is a Pinot for the moment.

Vibrant, crisp green apple, pear and peach flavours are accented by notes of lemon zest, toasted biscuit, honeycomb and dried white flowers. Finishes with a refreshing jolt of acidity. Drink now

Scorpo produces another excellent example of Pinot Gris from the Mornington Peninsula. Lifted aromas of pear apricot and green apple lead into a palate rich and silky in texture, the flavours showing depth and complexity, the acidity in perfect balance.

Rockburn Pinot Noir is a ripe, fleshy pinot noir with black cherry, blackcurrant and toasty oak flavours. Good concentration and a silken texture with powerful sweet fruit flavours driving a lengthy finish.

Mt Difficulty is one of Central Otago's oldest and most prestigious vineyards. Having tamed the rugged region since 1992, Mt Difficulty produce wines of utmost character and charm. Their Roaring Meg Pinot Noir shows lovely perfumed blackberry and dark cherry fruits along with a hint of spice. On the palate the wine has a sweet berry character along with balanced, ripe textural tannins that rise gracefully out of the mid-palate to finish the wine.