The youthful Pierrick Bouley, 5th generation winemaker at this estate in Volnay is getting a reputation as a wunderkind in Burgundy. His 'Cote d'Or' Pinot Noir, the first vintage the new appellation Cote d'or has been used, is delicious, classy, with suave tannins, bright red fruits and lingering palate.

A lovely Pinot Noir. Light with a soft welcoming nose of autumn fruits. Soft smooth & spicy flavours throughout with generous soft fruit flavours & a pleasing aftertaste.

The undisputed apex of Australian family wine growers. Sixth generation, still pushing boundaries and delivering wonderful, characterful, eccentric wines of personality and place.

Cool, reserved, crunchy. Lovely with rare lamb, light dishes, summer afternoons.

Lightish cherry red. Scented red fruit and silky tannins. Sweet red fruit, delicate but upright. Harmonious and reflecting its origin. Juicy finish.

Vigneron Franck Follin-Arbelet established his domaine in Aloxe-Corton in the early 1990s; his brother Stéphane runs Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune. Franck’s 2017 Aloxe-Corton shows a touch of reduction on the nose, though this quickly blows off to reveal bright red berry aromas. The wine is elegant, with chalky tannins and crisp acidity. Hints of toasty oak and richer black fruit flavours come through towards the finish, where that cooling acidity also persists. Drink now to 2025.

The medium-ruby colored IGP Pays D'Oc Les Zazous (100% Pinot Noir) offers a pretty, elegant style as well as attractive notes of dried cherries, dusty soil and spice. It's charming, has no hard edges and a clean finish, all of which make it ideal for drinking over the coming couple of years.

Deep coloured, the wine exhibits dark ripe fruit characters as well as truffle, spice and subtle toasted oak on the palate. A fulsome, structured and well rounded Pinot Noir with a soft acidity and generous mouthfeel

In recent years this has been stunning value and, even more, a stunning red Burgundy. The 2019 is true to form, a fleshy, layered, old-vine red Burgundy that is both delicious now and also age-worthy. It hails from a single 0.94-hectare parcel of 40-plus-year-old Pinot Noir vines grown on the red clays of Les Grandes Terres (on the Santenay side of the commune). This clay-rich soil type has always produced the finest and plumpest reds of the village.

Domaine Arlaud Moray Saint Denis 2014 is a bit of a fire cracker with dark raspberry fruit, floral notes, violets and a glossy liquorice and bitter chocolate edge. It has great minerality on the palate, lots of energy and fruit purity which makes it an exhilarating glass of wine.

jancisrobinson.com 16/20 "Perfumed and sweet-fruited. Succulent and aromatic. Very light palate, but the fruit persists through to the finish. A little new oak scent lingers too"

The nose is complex with aromas of cranberry, raspberry and carraway alongside an earthy spice element. The palate is finely structured with bramble fruit flavours, fine tannins and a savoury finish,

Decanter Panel Tasting 92/100 "Intense aromas of sweet cherry and strawberry with oaky and leathery notes. Crunchy acidity on the palate with polished tannins."

A classic expression of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, this wine begins with enticing aromas of bright cranberry, strawberry, blueberry and blackberry, as well as savory hints of black tea, dried herbs, pennyroyal and saddle leather. The lush fruit notes are echoed on the flavorful palate, where they mingle with layers of moist earth and wild mushrooms, with firm tannins and bright acidity carrying the wine to a poised and polished finish. "Super-classy, elegance personified. Full and rich." Clive Pawsey

"Elegant and fleshy red fruits are married to power but balanced by a push of acidity through the finish that seems to tiptoe through the tannins." Jane Anson, Decanter 91 points

Jane's Gevrey-Chambertin is an impressive expression of this prime Cru in the Côte de Nuits. The nose has cherry aromas, wild savoury characters with some trademark earthy Gevrey notes. The wine is well-balanced and accessible with lovely dark cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, fine grained tannins and a lasting finish. Jane Eyre is originally from Melbourne. In 1998, she was working as a hairdresser when she asked a customer, who happened to be the wife of wine writer Jeremy Oliver, if she knew of any wineries where she could do work experience. The Olivers recommended Burgundy, which has since been an inextricable part of Jane’s life. She went on to gain experience working with Cullen in the Margaret River, Felton Road and Ata Rangi in New Zealand and Ernie Loosen in the Mosel. Based in Burgundy since 2004, she has successfully established her ‘micro-négotiant’ business at a small winery in Bligny-lès-Beaune and is listed as one of only 26 ‘Two Star’ Producers in Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2021, a true testament to Jane’s talent and determination.

The Vergelesses vineyard produces highly-perfumed wines, a mix of delicate fruit aromas and spicy undertones with a brambly edge. On the palate, a backbone of refreshing acidity and fine but firm tannins provide a balanced structure to this charming wine. Jane Eyre is originally from Melbourne. In 1998, she was working as a hairdresser when she asked a customer, who happened to be the wife of wine writer Jeremy Oliver, if she knew of any wineries where she could do work experience. The Olivers recommended Burgundy, which has since been an inextricable part of Jane’s life. She went on to gain experience working with Cullen in the Margaret River, Felton Road and Ata Rangi in New Zealand and Ernie Loosen in the Mosel. Based in Burgundy since 2004, she has successfully established her ‘micro-négotiant’ business at a small winery in Bligny-lès-Beaune and is listed as one of only 26 ‘Two Star’ Producers in Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2021, a true testament to Jane’s talent and determination.

This wine has aromas of cherry, lavender and plums that are combined with flavours of raspberries, a hint of earthiness and orange zest. Fine, lingering tannins finish of this delicate, yet complex wine. Jane first produced wines under this label in Australia in 2012, when she made three barrels of a Pinot from Mornington. In 2015, she finally had enough wine to export, so we jumped at what she had to offer. We have had great success with her wines from Burgundy since they arrived at the beginning of 2016. Their restraint and elegance chimes with the style of wine we are looking for. Australian journalist Nick Stock has said of Jane that she “is a thoughtful and determined winemaker, with clear ideas about the style of Pinot Noir she likes. She prizes fragrance and delicacy over artefact and ripeness…”

This Pinot Noir is initially reserved but after some time in the glass the wine opens up with aromas of blackberries, plum and spice. The palate is full of sweet fruit, balanced by spices and savoury flavours. The wine has a fresh acidity and finishes with fine, chewy tannins. Jane first produced wines under this label in Australia in 2012, when she made three barrels of a Pinot from Mornington. In 2015, she finally had enough wine to export, so we jumped at what she had to offer. We have had great success with her wines from Burgundy since they arrived at the beginning of 2016. Their restraint and elegance chimes with the style of wine we are looking for. Australian journalist Nick Stock has said of Jane that she “is a thoughtful and determined winemaker, with clear ideas about the style of Pinot Noir she likes. She prizes fragrance and delicacy over artefact and ripeness…”

jancisrobinson.com 16.5 "Bright mid cherry red. Lovely aroma of sweet cherry with a light note of orange. Juicy and smooth with good harmony of lively, juicy fruit, polished tannins and freshness on the finish. Perhaps not stereotypical Pommard but nicely done. GOOD VALUE"

Winemaker Larry Cherubino has crafted a delectable cool-climate Pinot from specially selected vineyards across the Yarra Valley. Tasting notes from the winemaker: "Lovely varietal intensity in the wild strawberry and cherry, lightly savory spectrum, vibrant and juicy, with gentle French oak influence."

In 2012 Theo Coles discovered the Limestone Hills vineyard in Canterbury in the north of New Zealand’s South Island. Owned by Gareth Renowdon, Theo agreed to make some wine with him from his 1000 or so Pinot Noir vines. Limestone Hills vineyard is naturally farmed, and the first vintage (2012) was that way too — no additions and matured in old oak. Since then Theo has expanded the range to include the skin fermented Sauvignon Blanc and Müller-Thurgau, a field blend rosé and another Pinot Noir. The fruit comes from tiny vineyards throughout the Canterbury region, all naturally farmed without chemicals and Theo is keen to stress that every wine has its own story to tell. We agree and would add that this is some of the most exciting wine to come out of New Zealand for a long time; a turning point for authentic, artisan winemakers in a country so often associated with mass-produced wine. These are wines with personality, depth, complexity and most importantly, drinkability. This Pinot Noir comes from a small close planted vineyard on the Omihi slopes. The soil is predominantly clay with bands of limestone and iron oxide. As the clay is the dominating force through the soil, it brings a richness and flesh to this wine. The use of whole bunches helps to add floral aromatics and length to balance out this richness. The structural elements and aroma gained from using whole bunches in Pinot Noir from North Canterbury also serves to promote longevity in the wine. It’ll make for fascinating drinking over the coming years. This wine has approximately 75% whole bunches in the ferment. It was fermented with indigenous yeasts. It underwent a natural malolactic fermentation. It has no sulphur added until bottling. It is unfined and unfiltered.

"The lighter ruby-hued 2017 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and is all varietal that spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. A classic wine from this team, it offers lots of spiced red fruits, brambly herbs, flowers, and sandalwood in an ethereally textured, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant package. While it has bright acidity, it's beautifully balanced, has supple tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly not for those looking for blockbuster Pinot Noir, but it shines for its complexity, elegance, and nuances." Jeb Dunnock. 95 pts

Jérôme and Elisabeth Billard are the 4th generation of his family to have managed Domaine Billard Pere & Fils. Their winery is located in La Rochepot, a village just west of Saint-Aubin. Jérôme has built up the estate's vineyard holdings to an impressive 18.5 hectares, with the largest area in Hautes Cotes de Beaune, as well as Beaune, St Romain, St Aubin, Auxey Duresses and Pommard. Jérôme’s philosophy is "expressing the typicity of the terroir.". Yields are low and grapes are concentrated because of organic farming techniques, extensive pruning and cover crops between vines. His trusty Percheron steed, Raphael, ploughs the vineyards at the estate and for Domaine de la Romanee Conti. Grapes are hand harvested and sorted on a vibrating table to ensure only the best are selected. Winemaking is low intervention. Pinot Noir is foot trodden to gently extract tannins, only natural yeasts are used and wines are left on lees in oak barrels before bottling at the estate. As a consequence of these meticulous efforts, Billard offers high quality wines with layers of complexity and concentration at surprisingly low prices. Their Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge comes from a plot of 4 hectares with alluvial clay soil. After pressing the grapes by foot, the wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels. Delicious! Complex but easy to drink (light bodied, not too bold, low tannins). Juicy plum flavours are bright but not too sweet, smoky tobacco adds warmth and balance.

Made with incredible craft and passion by owner Byron Dooley, this wine is made from 100% Luminous Hills fruit and is built for early approachability as a richer wine, but with backbone and vibrancy.

Former Cloudy Bay team and grapes. Cool pretty bright, polished, broad mouth-feel. Rhubarb and vermouth! Faultless.

Aged in a mixture of new and old French oak barriques. Semi-translucent dark red colour with a light red hue. Perfumed scents of violets, ripe cherries and strawberries meld into anise, hints of toasty oak, traces of forest floor and spice notes. Light and expressive the palate has flavours of ripe dark cherries and strawberries which are carried by anise, light smoky cedar, forest floor and spicy dried herb elements. Supple mouthfeel, silky tannins and well-balanced acidity concluding with good power. In this vintage the Estate Pinot Noir has a slightly different personality. Bottled earlier and with more whole bunches, this has a surprising energy to it that makes it perhaps the most approachable Pinot Noir in the range (for now). Driven by cherry fruit with a ripple of vanilla and tomato leaf, it’s even and spicy with just a hint of jam. Love the open fruit of this vintage, yet with a spicy finish too.

Redcurrant jelly and raspberries on the nose lovely juicy fresh raspberry fruit on the palate with gentle, ripe tannins and some complexity but deliciously drinkable!

The estate has a specific emphasis on small lot winemaking, particularly of Pinot Noir. This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir opens with inviting aromas of raspberry, strawberry and a touch of vanilla. Ruby red in colour, the wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe red fruits and spicy herbal notes. The medium bodied palate is redolent of strawberry, cherry and black liquorice, complemented by silky tannins and bright acidity.

Crazy good-value new Pinot from Plantagenet Wines, a long-established and famed Western Oz family winery. Delicate though richly complex, silky-smooth, nutmeg and clove spiced, subtle in all respects, a real charmer. Very, very good value at half the price of their signature wines - rarely in the wine world is one so surprised at a Pinot Noir being so underpriced. Plantagenet, founded 1974, have been awarded 5-Star Winery status ten years running by Australia's leading wine critic James Halliday. All fruit hand-picked and estate-grown, just a little oak, a fine, proud example of cool-climate Oz Pinot.

A smooth, fruity Pinot Noir from the Casablanca Valley. Red cherry flavours with a sweet, ripe fruit finish. A portion of the wine is matured in French oak barrels which adds a roundness and a hint of spice to the finished wine.

A wine plenty of fruit with well integrated structure. This full round wine is very long and charming.

Grown and made by David and Shirley Maudry at their dynamic young estate, Maison Lispaul. A small but excellent quality vintage for Pinot Noir in the Central region of the Loire Valley where Sancerre, and Menetou Salon are based. Beautiful ruby color, complex, rich, notes of slightly candied red fruits Matches with Cold cuts, red meat, chicken dishes too.

Jancisrobinson.com 16.5+ "Lovely clarity of fruit, crunchy and soft and sweet, yet finishes savoury. Delicious. Creamy, medium body, beautifully smooth tannic furriness."

Jancisrobinson.com 17 "Super-creamy, deep, ripe raspberry nose. Warm cinnamon and white-pepper spices fill the mid palate, stippling the silk-spun curve of fruit and smooth bevelled tannic lines. Pinewood smokiness of lapsang souchong in a low register. A fine lattice of dried herbs. Chiffon and evensong. (TC)"

Jancisrobinson.com 16.5++ "Mid cherry. Chalky texture, all quite delicate but in perfect harmony. Juicy, tannins almost chalky in their soft dry texture. Easy to overlook now but I think this has an elegant future. (JH)"

Garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose takes a few minutes to open and then shows cherries and black cherries with some spice. On the palate, this is full bodied with a nice nice texture. Lots of black cherry fruit. A bit of anise on the long finish. Blind, I think I would have guessed Oregon or maybe California here due to all the ripe fruit. Still quite young, perhaps another two or three years will calm it down for those looking for more elegance. I quite enjoyed this as is. It will continue to drink nicely for a decade. Great on its own, this will work well with classic Pinot dishes such as roasted duck.