Wine: The whole truth

Pinot noir nirvana will no doubt be achieved by those attending Pinot Palooza today at Shed 10 on Auckland’s Queens’ Wharf. The rest of us can achieve enlightenment via these three…

Mt Difficulty Inspiration CuvEe Pinot Noir 2013 $95

Hang on to those medal-winning memories by treating yourself to this limited edition, one-off pinot created by Rio Olympic team sponsor Mt Difficulty. Sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in Bannockburn, it's a sublime marriage of cherries, cocoa-dusted raspberries, ribbon-like tannins, soft spices and succulence on the finish. It's outstanding.

Sip with: roast duck with cherry sauce.

Sileni Exceptional Vintage Hawke's Bay Pinot Noir 2013 $70

Hawke's Bay could easily prove itself a powerhouse pinot region if wines like this become the norm. The silty clay and gravel soils of their vineyards have produced an intensely concentrated, pot-pourri-scented pinot that unleashes a tsunami of red fruits, earthy spices, tea and rosehip flavours. Seductive and saucy.

Sip with: lamb steaks and minted beans.

Escarpment Pahi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 $65
Also available at bitewine.co.nz

The fruit that goes into Pahi comes from 30-year-old vines growing on the tiny "McCreanor" block on Princess St in Martinborough. Maturity is key with pinot noir and, under the wizard-like guidance of Larry McKenna (or McPinot to his mates), the wine bursts with mixed spice, rhubarb, black tea, cocoa and sandalwood notes. Exotic, alluring, slippery and elegant.

Sip with: duck and mushroom parfait.

Yvonne Lorkin is a wine retailer, wine writer and member of the Wine Writers of NZ.