Wine: Three perfect pinots

If you ever needed any help to roar into the chorus of John Denver’s Calypso, these three perfect pinots will get your yodel on…

Odyssey Reserve Iliad Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $42

Certified organic, this Rebecca Salmond-crafted pinot is awash with black fruits, pomegranate and cranberry characters alongside a super-juicy, softly spiced, gentle texture and plush, fulsome fresh cherry, raspberry and tea leaf flavours on the finish.

Sip with: portobello mushroom mousse.

Main Divide Te Hau Reserve Waipara Pinot Noir 2014 $33

With gently juicy strawberry and raspberry characters on the nose, a pillowy-fresh palate-feel edged with cherry and softly clinging tannins, it's a dangerously easy-to-drink pinot. Produced by the talented team at Pegasus Bay, the Te Hau has hints of smoke and game meats followed by luxurious length of flavour.

Sip with: tuna carpaccio.

Chard Farm Mata-Au Lowburn Pinot Noir 2014 $47

Chard Farm is an aristocrat among Antipodean pinot producers - and there's a reason for that. It's all about elegance and balance at Chard, even in a brand new pinot like this. Very pretty, with hints of cherries and cream, succulent spices, lifted dried herb and cranberry characters, it's a wine that's concentrated, layered and a lovely must-taste.

Sip with: peking duck pancakes.
Also available on bitewine.co.nz.

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