Wine: Three perfect pinots

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.