Kumeu River Kumeu Village Pinot Noir 2018 750ml

This is a very light style of Pinot made from a producer renowned for its Chardonnay. The color of cherry juice, it shows some slight reduction and some oak spice, too, on what is an otherwise fruity nose. But both the reduction and the oak add character rather than detract. The palate is lightweight with crisp, angular acidity that makes the fruit feel tart, along with chalky tannins and a lick of oak spice that dries the mouth on the finish. While refreshing, it lacks some fleshy fruit weight to soften the acidity and tannins. (Christina Pickard)

The 2018 Village Pinot Noir is made entirely from Hawke’s Bay fruit — no Kumeu Pinot Noir was even picked because of the rain that pelted down in that region. It’s light ruby in color, with pretty floral notes alongside hints of raspberry and strawberry. Light to medium in body, it’s a silky-textured, red-fruited charmer with decent length.