The team at Crown Cellars love a good Pinot Noir, which unsurprising given that there are members of the team that may well have been around for the records of the first plantings back in 1375. Also a fan of shade, Pinot Noir is the thin-skinned luvvie of the Wine World, and rightly celebrated by many for its delicate complexity
The varietal probably epitomises the most eye-roll inducing wine word going; terroir. Pinot Noir reflects the character of the land on which it is grown with more nuance than just about any other grape going. It can be vary wildly from a light, juicy party-friendly slurper that you can pop in the fridge for an hour or two on a hot day (we’re looking at you, Las Ondas), through to the richly complex grown-up stuff, with varying notes along the way of sour cherry, blackcurrant, pepper, jam, a gamut of spices, coffee and smoke right through to wild mushroom and leather
We have pulled a collection of Pinot Noir together to help mark the occasion; why not pick up a few cases and run a tasting, create some flights or simply put on a blackboard special and see what works for your outlet. It’s by no means the definitive list from Crown Cellars (check these out), but certainly a broad mix of styles, origins and price points
Robert Oatley Signature Series Pinot Noir 75cl
Yarra Valley, Australia
Juicy & ripe
Youthful and fragrant on the nose followed by a mid-bodied palate that is juicy and softBourgogne Pinot Noir, Louis Jadot 75cl Burgundy, France Full-flavoured & oaked A balanced Burgundian Pinot Noir, with plump fruit and silky texture offset by round, gentle tannins
Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir 75cl
California, USA
Juicy & ripe
A youthful blast of raspberry and red cherry fruit defines this lightish-bodied red
Esk Valley Pinot Noir 75cl
Marlborough, New Zealand
Juicy & ripe
Pure and intense raspberry and redcurrant fruit define this mid to light-bodied red
Gevrey-Chambertin, Louis Jadot 75cl
Burgundy, France
Full-flavoured & oaked
Classic Gevrey concentration of colour, a richly fruity aroma of mixed black and red berries, firm tannins and a smooth texture
Inviniti New Zealand Pinot Noir 75cl
Marlborough, New Zealand
Juicy & ripe
Bright and youthfully attractive, with raspberry, plum, subtle spice and floral aromas on the nose, offering charm and easy drinking
Las Ondas Pinot Noir Reserva 75cl
Central Valley, Chile
Light & delicate
Soft and not too heavy in the mouth with scrumptious red berry and spice aromas
Michel Leon Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir 75cl
Alsace, France
Light & delicate
Very fresh and supple with red berry aromas (cherry). The fine tannic structure prepares the palate for a very pleasant finish
Napa Cellars Pinot Noir, Napa Valley 75cl
California, USA
Spicy & warming
An elegant wine with aromas of black cherry, cola, raspberry and strawberry. Pomegranate with hints of leather, spice and tobacco on the finish
Peter & Peter Pinot Noir 75cl
Pfalz, Germany
Light & delicate
A relatively light-bodied red wine that has yielding tannins and youthful red fruit aromas
Pommard, Moillard-Grivot 75cl
Burgundy, France
Light & delicate
On the palate the wine is ample and generous, with great tannins on the finish. Ageing will bring complexity
Sancerre Rosé, Domaine La Gemière 75cl
Loire Valley, France
Light & delicate
What great French dry rosé is all about: a perfect balance between exuberance and austerity