Clifford Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011 – $

Buying a $-level NZ pinot often sets me up for disappointment. At this price, expect red cordial with alcohol added.

But not this charmer: it is a Regional Wines Summer Selection wine, chosen for flavour and value, and it delivers. I have bought Clifford Bay PNs a few times. It is not a big NZ pinot noir, but one that is pretty and floral and very appealing. Bright pinot ruby in colour, with an easy savoury florality I like. The palate is fresh ripe red fruits, cherries. It lingers too.

This wine was one of the ‘Worth Cellaring’ pinots in the RW tasting that Geoff Kelly MC’ed last year, and it outperformed others at a much higher price. It is a light $ delight. Enjoy with a lunch of pate and camembert.