Sacred Hill, Pinot Noir Reserve, Central Otago, New Zealand 2021

Central Otago Pinot Noir is a style that has won over many wine lovers with its bright and vibrant berry fruits and aromatic expression. Keenly priced at just under £10, this is a great buy, bottled under screwcap to preserve and enhance the freshness and varietal character. Some Otago Pinots are dark-fruited and fuller bodied in character than examples from New Zealand's North Island – but this one is more about bright red berry fruit, exuberant and fresh, with hints of caraway seed and dill adding a more savoury dimension. You can't expect great complexity at this price for New Zealand Pinot, but there's plenty of typicity in this charming and very drinkable red.