The Best Pinot Noir Wines to Try this Winter

Few grapes have the same devoted following as Pinot Noir. Its appeal lies in its complexity — delicate in structure yet rich in character. With bright cherry, raspberry, and cranberry fruit, often woven with hints of spice, earth, and rose, Pinot Noir offers a sensory experience that’s hard to replicate.

Unlike bold, full-bodied reds, Pinot Noir thrives on subtlety. It’s light on its feet but never lacking in depth. The best Pinot Noir bottles are harmonious — silky in texture, balanced in acidity, and full of quiet elegance.

It’s also one of the most terroir-driven wines on earth. From the limestone slopes of Burgundy to the coastal vineyards of New Zealand, each region gives its own fingerprint. That’s part of the allure — no two bottles are the same, and discovering your best Pinot Noir becomes a journey of taste, texture, and place.

When you’re exploring the world of Pinot Noir, balance is everything. The best Pinot Noir wines are those that feel effortless — where fruit, freshness, and structure sit perfectly in harmony.

Look out for these hallmarks of quality:

• Aromas: Red berries, rose petals, herbs, and a touch of spice.
  
  

• Texture: Smooth and silky on the palate — never heavy or tannic.
  
  

• Acidity: Bright and refreshing, giving the wine energy.
  
  

• Complexity: Subtle earthy or floral notes that unfold as the wine opens.
  
  

• Finish: Long and elegant, leaving a soft echo of red fruit and spice.
  
  

When these elements align, you’ve likely found your best Pinot Noir.

Below are spaces for four to six standout wines — from elegant, great-value bottles to those made for truly memorable evenings. Each one represents a different side of what makes Pinot Noir so captivating.

Ruby red in colour. Gorgeous flavours, almost syrupy in its concentration. Dark, rich and potent, with layers of complex black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon. Deep, with pretty fruit cake and spicy aromatics.

From a small family run winery in South Africa, producing six award winning wines. As the vines here age, this wine has become more refined: all into French oak, about a quarter new. This retains attractively ripe, overt strawberry and cherry fruit flavours with a hint of oak. With that comes improved aromatics - that sense of expansion and interest on the palate - and also a little savouriness. Appealing, classy and complete. — a real contender for the best Pinot Noir in our collection

Beautiful dark red colour, with purple reflections. The bouquet is very expressive with notes of sour cherry, liquorice and chalky notes. It is a wine with finesse and a very long finish.

Rose petal, dark fruits, spice and earthy aromas. Open, embracing mouthful. Heated red fruit with aromatics and length. Great value for the typicity and generosity. From a small family producer in the Yarra Valley, the fruit is sourced from their own vineyard in Gippsland. Elevage for six months in barrel, 10% new barrels to achieve a balance between fruit and complexity.

Burgundy, France
Still the spiritual home of Pinot Noir, Burgundy continues to define the benchmark. While the grands crus remain aspirational, many of the best Pinot Noir finds now come from smaller appellations and young producers focused on purity and balance.

Oregon, USA
A world leader in quality. The Willamette Valley continues to impress with elegant, Old-World-style Pinot Noir that balances fruit with minerality. These wines age beautifully and remain among the best Pinot Noir options for collectors.

California, USA
The coastal vineyards of Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, and Santa Rita Hills deliver ripe yet refined Pinot Noir with structure and vibrancy — a hallmark of California’s new era of restrained winemaking.

New Zealand
From the concentrated, fruit-driven styles of Central Otago to the delicate, floral wines of Marlborough, New Zealand continues to shine for best Pinot Noir quality at every price level.

Chile
An emerging force for value and freshness. The Leyda and Casablanca Valleys produce expressive, bright Pinot Noir with cool-climate charm and remarkable consistency.

Germany & South Africa
Both regions are producing some of the most exciting new interpretations of Pinot Noir — elegant, aromatic, and offering exceptional value.

Even the best Pinot Noir deserves a little care before pouring. These simple steps will help it show its best side:

• Serve slightly cool: Aim for 14–16°C to keep freshness and balance.
  
  

• Use a wide glass: Pinot’s delicate aromas need space to bloom.
  
  

• Give it air: Even younger bottles benefit from 20–30 minutes of breathing time.
  
  

• Pair it well: Think roast chicken, duck, mushroom risotto, or truffle pasta.
  
  

• Store properly: Keep your bottles somewhere cool, dark, and consistent in temperature.
  
  

Handled well, your best Pinot Noir will reward you with layers of character that evolve with every sip.

There’s a reason Pinot Noir has earned its reputation as the “heartbreak grape.” It’s challenging to grow, unpredictable to make, and utterly enchanting to drink.

Whether you fall for its fruit-forward charm or its earthy, aged depth, there’s a version of the best Pinot Noir for everyone. From lighter, vibrant bottles perfect for casual dinners to structured, cellar-worthy releases made to age — each one tells its own story.

Explore our curated Pinot Noir collection — a hand-picked range designed to showcase the grape’s diversity and charm. From elegant, easy-drinking bottles to fine wines crafted for slow, mindful evenings, discover your best Pinot Noir for this winter season.

Discover our Pinot Noir range here