Waipara Hills Pinot Noir 2012

New Zealand's Waipara region sits between Christchurch and Marlborough, in northern Canterbury. At latitude of 43 degrees south (the same as Hobart's), the area's climate is ideal for growing flavoursome, well-defined pinot noir, like this reasonably priced version. It's on the lighter side of pinot, but offers pure varietal aroma and flavour and adequate depth and tannin structure to be a real red. The style suits Australia's warm climate as it's not heavy - and offers its brightest, best fruit flavours at around 16 to 18 degrees, a temperature easily achieved with a short stay in the fridge or ice bucket. (Chris Shanahan, goodfood.com.au, Dec. 15, 2013)