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.