Unlocking the Secrets of Pinot Noir with Top Brands

With plenty of pinot noir varieties to now choose from, we’re here to uncover the top brands from this year.

1. Marlborough Sounds

Produced in the northern part of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough Sounds offers pinot noirs to suit every palette. From vibrant red fruit styles with notes of raspberry and cherry to darker options with notes of plum and blackberry, sip each slowly and you may even be able to detect the subtle herbal and spicy undertones.

2. Paradox

If you are on the hunt for an alcohol-free pinot noir, this bottle is a must-try. Meeting the perfect balance of taste, with no compromise on flavour, the Paradox Zero Alc Pinot Noir is a hot favourite at BWS. With a light and fresh palette, you’ll also find taste flavours including cherry and raspberry.

3. Elephant In The Room

Crafting full-bodied drops from select premium vineyards, these wines are matured in French oak barrels for added depth. If you’re after a pinot noir that is big on flavour and bold in personality, this brand is a must-try.

4. South Island

Pinot noir from New Zealand’s South Island is internationally renowned for its premium quality and flavour. These wines exhibit an expert balance of fruitiness, acidity, and elegance. These bottles will make their place known on your wine rack.

5. Taylors

Made from grapes sourced from various cool-climate regions within Australia, such as the Adelaide Hills and Tasmania, this pinot noir combines the best of the best. Undergoing a careful ageing in oak barrels, this bright medium-bodied wine is fruit-forward and a total crowd-pleaser.

6. Jacob’s Creek

This list would not be complete without a mention of the infamous Jacob’s Creek. Delivering the classics since 1976, these pinot noirs continue the legacy. Pick this classic well-balanced mix of fruit and savoury spice flavours for a guaranteed delicious drop.

7. Tempus Two

If you’re after some local NSW greats, Tempus delivers some of the finest pinot noirs from Hunter Valley wineries. Displaying hints of spice, floral touches, and subtle earthy and herbaceous notes, this is an Aussie drop not to miss.

8. Oakridge

One of the Yarra Valley’s finest brands, Oakridge’s medium-bodied pinot noirs balance a bright acidity with delicate red berry flavours, making it a super versatile wine for food pairings or simply enjoying on its own.

9. Red Hill Estate

Expertly expressing the fine effect of the Mornington Peninsula’s maritime climate, Red Hill Estate executes a pristine pinot noir. Mastering a vibrant acidity with a silky texture, this Victorian great deserves a place on your wine rack.

10. Sidewood

From an Australian winery located in the Adelaide Hills, this South Australian drop shows off all that is loved about pinot noir. With a delightful balance of red fruit with gentle acidity and soft tannins, this Sidewood red is perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Shop and explore all these unmissable brands of pinot noir at your local BWS.

As a very selective grape, this regal red grows particularly well in specific regions. To help you pick the best pinot noirs, here are our top regions to explore:

1. Adelaide Hills

In this South Australian region, pinot noir is the third most planted grape, after Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Adelaide Hills is known for its medium-bodied pinot noirs with rich and ripe cherry and red berry flavours.

2. Yarra Valley

The varying elevations of the Yarra Valley create a variety of interesting and complex pinot noirs. As the most planted grape in the region, you can expect everything from light to medium-bodied with flavours ranging from cherry, strawberry to plum with hints of spice.

3. Tasmania

The southern states' cool climate is known for creating some of the most top-tier pinot noir. As an island, the cooling southern ocean has an impressive impact on the overall flavours creating medium-bodied varieties that offer delicate red apple, cherry and strawberry notes.

4. Mornington Peninsula

The Bass Strait is a big influencer for the pinot noir produced in this ocean-neighbouring region. Expect plenty of juicy strawberry and cherry flavours with pleasant silky tannins.

Discover all these unmissable regional pinot noirs under one roof at your local BWS Bottle O. To help you find a favourite, chat to any of our friendly staff and we’ll introduce you to the best pinot noirs to suit your budget and taste.