Pinot Noir
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Escarpment Martinborough Noir
This wine stood out at the Waitrose Spring Press Tasting, so it deserved a closer look. From New Zealand’s North Island, this wine comes from Escarpment Winery, located in Martinborough. The name itself, Escarpment, refers to a long, steep slope that borders a plateau, reflecting the distinctive landscape that shapes this corner of the region. A quick glance at customer reviews on Waitrose’s website reveals mixed reactions, though much of the criticism stems from the 2022 vintage, which reportedly turned out cloudy. What matters here, however, is the 2023 release, and that’s the one really worth seeking out. It sits…
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Valle del Bio Bio Chilean Pinot Noir
This is a new vintage of one of my highlights of 2025. I first came across the 2023 release at the Sainsbury’s Spring Summer Press Tasting and later explored it in more depth at home. It also featured in my Pinot Noir retrospection. The 2024 vintage, now with an updated front label, received recognition at both the IWC and IWSC 2025 competitions, so I was keen to try it. As with the earlier vintage, the wine is made by Diego Covarrubias of Viña Indómita, a respected figure in Chilean winemaking and regularly praised by critic James Suckling. At first, I…
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Leyda Pinot Noir Rosé
This Pinot Noir rosé from Chile is made by the renowned Chilean winery Viña Leyda. It comes from Chile’s Valle de Leyda in the San Antonio Valley, part of the Aconcagua region. Viña Leyda is widely recognised and is the most awarded coastal winery in Chile. Its reputation is further bolstered by the achievements of its team, with viticulturist Tomas Rivera being named Best of the Year in Tim Atkin’s 2022 Chile report, two years after Viviana Navarette was selected as his Best Winemaker. This 2023 vintage sits at 12.5% ABV and is made entirely from Pinot Noir. The grapes…
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La Belle Angèle Pinot Noir
This 2023 vintage offers an easygoing yet lively expression of southern French winemaking. Named after a celebrated muse of the Belle Époque, known for inspiring French Impressionist painters with her beauty and spirit, the wine carries a sense of charm. With its origins in the Languedoc, drawing fruit from the sun-drenched plains near Béziers and Valras-Plage as well as the higher ground of the Minervois, it captures a warm, Mediterranean spirit. At first pour, a scent of red berries rises gently, hinting at cherries and perhaps a touch of raspberry. Unlike some Pinots that lean into earthiness or darker, forest…
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Pinot Noir Retrospection
By accident rather than design, I found myself tasting and reviewing several Pinot Noirs over a short period. It started innocently enough, with a few bottles obtained after they had caught my attention at spring press tastings. Then I went looking for wines that had won awards in 2025 and it turned out many of them happened to be Pinot Noirs. This flurry of reviews made me reflect on the different styles of Pinot Noir out there and, more personally, on how my own relationship with the grape has evolved. This isn’t an exploration into terroir or regional differences, which…
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Edna Valley Pinot Noir
Edna Valley Pinot Noir 2022 comes from California’s Central Coast, where the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean allows for a long, gentle ripening season. This slower process brings depth and elegance to the wine. At 14% ABV, it has a touch more weight than many other Pinots. This is a medium-bodied red with a generous character. There’s an inviting aroma of raspberry, along with a subtle woody note that adds complexity. On the tongue, it delivers a smooth and rounded feel, with clear flavours of blackberry and oak running through it. It feels fuller than what you might…
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Marsolay Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir is from the Languedoc region in southern France, IGP Pays d’Oc, and made by Producteurs Réunis. It’s from an area known for its long, hot growing season, which tends to encourage a riper expression of Pinot Noir. I tried it as part of my awards25 tasting series, as it was a finalist in the People’s Choice Awards. There’s no vintage noted on the label, which is a bit odd, but it’s likely to be 2023 based on the IWSC entry, where it picked up a Silver award in 2025. It also carries a strong average rating on…
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Clocktower Pinot Noir
This 2023 vintage comes from the Taylor River area of the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. It’s a single vineyard wine, who M&S say is made by local winemaker Matthew Large, which suggests a Wither Hills connection. However, the Clocktower reference is a mystery. The wine has been matured in French oak, bringing added complexity and a touch of savouriness. In the glass, it appears slightly browner than other 2023 Pinot Noirs I tasted alongside it, giving a hint of early development. On first impression, there’s a strong marzipan aroma mingling with something savoury. The wine is smooth and…
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Co-op Irresistible 30° Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir
I tasted this Pinot Noir as part of my awards25 series and it’s already made a strong impression, with a Gold at the IWC and a Bronze at the IWSC. It also previously won a Silver in the Pinot Noir Masters. The name 30° refers to its Chilean roots, highlighting the 30 degrees south latitude where the Casablanca Valley is located, produced by Viña Indómita. Viña Indómita is a prominent Chilean winery situated in a region known for its cool-climate wines and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The estate vineyards benefit from coastal breezes and morning fog, which help to…
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Taste the Difference Bio Bio Chilean Pinot Noir
This was a real star from Sainsbury’s Spring Summer 2025 press tasting and I knew I had to revisit it properly on its own. Sourced from the Bio Bio Valley in Chile, this wine is made by Diego Covarrubias of Viña Indómita, a respected name in Chilean winemaking and a producer often praised by critic James Suckling. This Pinot Noir, from the 2023 vintage, has been aged for six months in French oak and comes in at 13.5% ABV. Aromatically, it opens with a savoury profile balanced by a huge burst of cherry, setting the tone for a dry yet…
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North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2023
I first discovered this wine last year and it quickly became one of my top picks. It stood out not just in character, but as one of my outstanding wines by value. I had the chance to try the new 2023 vintage at the Asda Summer 2025 showcase, and while it still shone, I wanted to compare it more closely with the 2020 vintage. So here we are. The new vintage shows a touch less browning than the 2020, appearing slightly darker in the glass. It carries that same savoury, almost ‘twiglet’ aroma with striking intensity. On the palate, the…
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Mayu Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Pinot Noir
I was impressed by this wine at a Majestic press tasting in Autumn 2024. I bought a bottle not long after but it’s taken me some time to get round to opening it. It’s from the Elqui Valley in Chile, where Mayu has been producing wine since 2005. The Mayu name comes from an ancient Inca word for the Milky Way. This particular bottle is from the 2022 vintage and sits at 14% ABV. Half of the wine spends ten months in French oak, which shows in the final character of the wine. On the Majestic site, opinions are a…
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Definition by Majestic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Majestic Wine has expanded its Definition range with a new wine made exclusively for them by the well-known Californian producer, Schug Winery. This Pinot Noir comes from Sonoma’s cool-climate region, an area greatly influenced by marine fog and the winds of the Petaluma Gap, lending a unique character to the wine. The winery’s founder, Walter Schug, brought his European winemaking skills to Sonoma. Born in Germany in 1935, Schug was raised on the grounds of the Staatsweingut Assmanshausen, one of Germany’s premier Pinot Noir estates. His career in America began in 1966 with Gallo, and by 1972, he was the…
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Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir
Coming from the coastal San Antonio region in Chile, Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir is made using traditional Burgundy vinification methods. This wine is aged in a mix of foudres and partially new oak barrels, adding depth and complexity to its character. This 2021 vintage has earned considerable acclaim, receiving 93 points from Tim Atkin, a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and 92 points from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Notably, it is now part of Tesco’s new premium wine selection, previously accessible only through independent wine merchants. My first encounter with it was…
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Cap Maritime Pinot Noir
Tesco has introduced another noteworthy addition to its wine range as part of its, previously mentioned, continued focus on premium offerings. Cap Maritime Pinot Noir, imported by New Generation Wines, is also available through select independent wine merchants. This South African wine comes from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Cape South Coast region. The 2023 vintage, by winemaker Gottfried Mocke, has an alcohol level of 13% and reflects a deliberate winemaking style that prioritises texture and perfume over the opulence of primary fruit. Aged for 12 months in French barriques, the wine is also vegan and has earned a…
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North Canterbury Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir from North Canterbury, New Zealand, was my top pick of a recent Asda press tasting, where over 100 wines were sampled and where many others agreed it was a highlight. Its quality has been recognised with a Bronze Medal at both the IWSC 2024 and IWC 2023. I had to take a more in-depth look. Its light brown hue is unusual for a 2020 vintage, immediately catching the eye. The cigar-like aroma and savoury spice notes hint at complexity and depth, inviting further exploration. On tasting, delicate hints of violets and herbs weave through an intriguing, deep,…
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Two Pinot Noir
On the eve of Pinot Noir Day, we had two bottles of Pinot Noir waiting to be tasted, perfect timing for a mini tasting session. Three of us gathered, each with expectations of a light wine experience, especially given the wine variety. We decided to put them to the test not just by themselves but also with food, including pasta and strong-flavoured salads, to see how they might change. Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2022, New ZealandThis wine has a pretty colour that catches the light, resembling cranberry juice. The aroma is delicate, with hints of rosehips and perhaps…
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California Dreaming Wine Tasting
I attended the “California Dreaming” consumer wine tasting event at Majestic in August 2024, hosted by the knowledgeable Andrew from Majestic Woking. Nine of us sampled a selection of wines that highlighted the diverse range of grape varieties available from California, going beyond the typical expectations. We started with a Champagne welcome drink, as Majestic didn’t have any Californian sparkling wine, a rarity in the UK. The chosen opener was Maurice Delabaye Cuvée Prestige Brut (12.5% ABV), which provided a refreshing start on the warm August day. With bright lemon and apple notes, it was a great palate cleanser, priced…
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Understanding Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a captivating red wine that transcends its reputation as merely a lighter red option. The name ‘Pinot Noir’ derives from the French words for ‘pine’ and ‘black’, referring to the grape’s tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches and dark skin. This noble grape variety thrives primarily in cooler climates, with its spiritual home in Burgundy, France, though it has found success in regions like Oregon, New Zealand and parts of Germany, Chile and Italy. Viticulturally, Pinot Noir presents numerous challenges. Its thin skin makes it susceptible to various diseases and pests, while its early budding leaves it vulnerable…
Pick Lists
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Did You Know?
Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More
Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More
People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More
In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More
UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More
For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More
Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More
Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More
A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More
Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More
In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More
In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More
In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More
Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More
Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More
In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More
Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More
8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More
Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More
Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More
Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More
Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More
During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More
In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More
In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More
In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More
In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More
In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More
In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More
Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More
In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More
In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More
In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More
The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More
Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More
Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More
In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More
The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More
90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More
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