IVWA 2010: Pinot Noir

In 2010, the top scores in this category are up an average of two points across the board, with New Zealand leading the way. That their wines managed to nail down four of the top five spots is no small feat in a category that consistently challenges. Notably absent among the best pinots was representation from Chile or Canada — both countries that did well in this category last year. Separating the wheat from the chaff in the preliminary rounds was relatively easy; weaker entries proved bad pinot can be very bad, especially when $25 or less. The best pinots, however, showed thoughtful balance between ripe red berries, modest acidity and complex secondary flavours. (Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson)

Category Champion

90 Rabbit Ranch 2007 Pinot Noir Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand

Judges’ Choice

89 Spy Valley 2009 Pinot Noir, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $22-$32

88 Mount Riley 2009 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $22-$25

88 Murphy-Goode 2008 California Pinot Noir, California, United States $19-$21

88 Sileni Estates 2009 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir, Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand $15-$23

88 MacMurray Ranch 2007 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, United States $20-$31

87 De Bortoli 2008 Vat 10 Pinot Noir, New South Wales, Australia $15-$18

87 Cecchetti 2009 Redtree Pinot Noir, California, United States $14-$16

87 Mud House 2009 Pinot Noir, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand $22-$26

87 Yering Station 2008 Little Yering Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia $14-$17

More results from the Wine Access 2010 International Value Wine Awards