What is Marlborough’s best kept vinous secret? 

There are several contenders but it has to be a wine that is rising in stature, both in volume and in value (quality, in another word). So, here it is: Pinot Noir. The vast stony plains of free draining, arid soils and the gentle slopes of clay in the southern valleys both give Marlborough more than a little complexity to play with when it comes to style, depth, taste and value of the growing number of Pinot Noirs produced there today. 17.5/20

2022 Whitehaven Pinot Noir RRP $35

This latest 2022 Whitehaven Pinot Noir is made from a blend of both sub regions and soil types, which translate to a richly aromatic, fruit forward, medium bodied Pinot Noir with depth to burn and spicy complex flavours. It is a lighter expression than the 2021 (best ever in my view from Whitehaven) and that is also the beauty of vintage variation. 

A stunning bargain at this price.