The Auswine Forum

Hi,

I have a friend who is not really a wine drinker (yes still a friend) who is getting married and is after some advice about wine. They want to have the Red wine as only a Pinot Noir, their call not mine. In any event Pinot Noir is not my favorite choice of wine, it has its time and place with certain meals but thats where it ends for me in terms of enjoyment.

Previously I've bought wine off direct recommendations from this website to great success and enjoyment so thought I would ask the question, what is a good quaffer Pinot Noir with a budget of budget: $15 - $25 per bottle for a wedding wine?

I've only had two Pinot Noir that I have ever bought in any sort of quanitity (ie more than 1 bottle for the current nights meal... hahaha), those two being a blakes estate and also the Giaconda. Both being outside the budget.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks


I haven't started a Thread before so

Kooyong Estate Massale Pinot Noir is about $25/bottle at the big chains and is excellent ... I helped friends select this for their wedding with no complaints

Perhaps Hoddles Creek would also be good in budget, they seem to regularly be recommended on here

2011 Hahndorf hill 'blueblood' blaufrankisch
it's pinot noir-esque !
really good. Got half a case recently for about 35 a bottle.
blaufrankisch is a bit out there, might make the special day more ...'special'.
JH gave it 95/100 if that means anything to ya
I think it's a lovely 'lighter' style wine.

2011 Ross Hill Pinnacle Pinot Noir(Orange). Normally around $38, however I have recently purchased it for under $25 through a winery promotion. Currently on its website it is listed at $25, however if you ring them directly they may improve their pricing.

Sticks Pinot Noir is pretty good for the price. A bit lighter than what most Aussies think of as Pinot but that is probably a good thing.
Hoddles Creek is pretty safe in that range.

You can also look at NZ stuff...They're priced quite nicely in that range...a bit more fruit forward but more acidity....They definitely seem to have a better selection in that range and they're probably more likely to be enjoyed by the crowd...

Wickhams Rd would fit the bill if you can find them still.

Bonus is you can get variety as they have them from different regions and $17.

I'd be plumping for some of the De Bortoli Gulf Station stuff, bit more fruit forward but still a nice drop, and easily enjoyed without taking it too seriously. Nice packaging/label, is around $17 a bottle and readily available.

+1 for the Hoddles Creek Estate pinot.

Not being a Pinot drinker qualifies me to suggest a wine here. I'd plump for the 2010 Yering Station "Little" Pinot ($18) or the 2010 Yering Station "Village" Pinot ($25). I've had them both at restaurants and both are really nice. Quite light, but so easy to drink. 2011 is current vintage but I'm sure some shops would still have the 2010's. As someone above said, the Wickhams Rd's are OK as well and within your budget.

I'd be a little hesitant to go for any 2011 unless you try them first. Sure there are some decent ones around, but I'd hazard a guess to say they would be in the minority. 2010 or 2012 and you'll be OK.

Cheers
Ian

I'd give Gavin a call at Aus Wine and tell him how much Hoddles Creek you need...he will sort you out. May as well get the Chardonnay too whilst you are at it. As good as I think the Pinot is (it is a crowd pleaser, which I suppose is what you need) I think the Chardonnay is the real standout from Hoddles Creek.

simon1980

2011 Castle Rock Estate Pinot Noir
When I last bought some it was 23/b - fantastic wine at incredible QPR
96 points by James Halliday abd 94 points by Campbell Mattinson.

You could ring Delamere in Tasmania. Their Naissante pinot is sub-$25, and terrific value for money. I've just had some of the 2010 tonight and it's a gorgeous fruity - but still serious - pinot that would aboslutely hit the spot for a wedding. Haven't tasted 2011, but I've no reason to think it's inferior.
Graeme

Well I know it's not a Pinot but if the 2012 Cirillo Vincent Grenache is as good as the 2010 (assuming it's released soon??) then I'd pick that above any sub $25 Pinot in the country. I'd also suggest that many people could confuse it with a pinot anyway

Want to add Lethbridge Menage a Noir Pinot Noir..you can find it for under 25...

Whatever you do, AVOID the 2011 vintage in Australia. 99% poor value for pinot noir, especially with 2010 and 2012 floating around.

If you want to have a dip in Burgundy, you can have a look at Maison Champy's cheaper range, either the Bourgogne (various vintages) or the Pernand Vergelesses Clos de Bully 2008 can be bought within your price range. Champy is generally good value and quality throughout the range, from the cheaper wines to the great vineyards.

Thanks you all for your replies.

Wasn't expecting this many suggestions and I plan on trying before recommending... hahaha

Thats the advantage of recommending the wine, it is my choice.

Look forward and expect big things from your suggestions (based on previous recomendations off this website).

Thanks again,

(I will post the result)

GraemeG wrote:You could ring Delamere in Tasmania. Their Naissante pinot is sub-$25, and terrific value for money. I've just had some of the 2010 tonight and it's a gorgeous fruity - but still serious - pinot that would aboslutely hit the spot for a wedding. Haven't tasted 2011, but I've no reason to think it's inferior.
Graeme

That delamere is a terrific wine

2011 was a good vintage in Western Australia...

[quote="tarija"]Whatever you do, AVOID the 2011 vintage in Australia. 99% poor value for pinot noir, especially with 2010 and 2012 floating around.

quote]

Yikes! Had to join this forum just to dispute this comment...

I'm in the Great Southern, WA. We had another outstanding vintage in 2011.

I second a PPs suggestion of Castle Rock Estate, from the Porongurups.

Another pleasant local Pinot is the 2012 (that's right!!!) Sommerset Hill Pinot.

Brave New Wine wrote:

tarija wrote:Whatever you do, AVOID the 2011 vintage in Australia. 99% poor value for pinot noir, especially with 2010 and 2012 floating around.

quote]

Yikes! Had to join this forum just to dispute this comment...

I'm in the Great Southern, WA. We had another outstanding vintage in 2011.

I second a PPs suggestion of Castle Rock Estate, from the Porongurups.

Another pleasant local Pinot is the 2012 (that's right!!!) Sommerset Hill Pinot.

My apologies, WA people - I don't usually think of WA for pinot noir, more for your stunning cab blends and chardonnay!

Yeah, it was fine in Tasmania, and a terrific Hunter vintage too. Sure, south of Sydney and all around to Kalgoorlie on the mainland, things were grim. But that's the great thing about a place as big as this; it's almost impossible for it to be a crap vintage everywhere..
cheers,
GG

tarija wrote:

Brave New Wine wrote:

tarija wrote:Whatever you do, AVOID the 2011 vintage in Australia. 99% poor value for pinot noir, especially with 2010 and 2012 floating around.

quote]

Yikes! Had to join this forum just to dispute this comment...

I'm in the Great Southern, WA. We had another outstanding vintage in 2011.

I second a PPs suggestion of Castle Rock Estate, from the Porongurups.

Another pleasant local Pinot is the 2012 (that's right!!!) Sommerset Hill Pinot.

My apologies, WA people - I don't usually think of WA for pinot noir, more for your stunning cab blends and chardonnay!

Well then, you've got some learnin' to do!

Scotty vino wrote:2011 Hahndorf hill 'blueblood' blaufrankisch
it's pinot noir-esque !
really good. Got half a case recently for about 35 a bottle.
blaufrankisch is a bit out there, might make the special day more ...'special'.
JH gave it 95/100 if that means anything to ya
I think it's a lovely 'lighter' style wine.

I've a brother who likes this wine, have shared a couple of bottles of the 2009 or 2010 with him. It is a nice red, a bit different but easy drinking.

After a few Pinot tastings it was decided: 2010 main divide Pinot noir waipara valley NZ

I agree on comments vic Pinot 2011 vintages are not at their best (certainly the ones we tried). Tassie was ok. NZ beat all (IMO) and I'm not NZ.

Enjoy and thanks for the advice.

Yep, it's a solid label, quaffable and while not super pinot-like, has enough variety of fruit characters to make for a good crowd pleasing all-rounder. Enjoy the wedding!

I actually don't think 2011 was that bad in Australia for Pinot...looks like some places are forced to make..Pinot...

Just would like to second the Sticks and to warn all and sundry about the 2011 Taylor's. Didn't think wine like this were made in Australia anymore.

2011 was a cool and wet vintage for most of Australia, therefore it is not possible to make good wine in a cool year as vintage = quality, cool vintage = bad quality. Really simple stuff. That's why places like Germany and France, northern Italy, what with their cool weather, snow, lots of rain don't make good wine, it's just not possible unless it is always sunny and warm like in South Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa.

Nick11 wrote: That's why places like Germany and France, northern Italy, what with their cool weather, snow, lots of rain don't make good wine, it's just not possible unless it is always sunny and warm like in South Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa.

You have to be trolling.

The best wines of France, Germany and northern Italy are way ahead of South Australia, Chile, Argentina and South Africa (with maybe a couple of exceptions).

tarija wrote:

Nick11 wrote: That's why places like Germany and France, northern Italy, what with their cool weather, snow, lots of rain don't make good wine, it's just not possible unless it is always sunny and warm like in South Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa.

You have to be trolling.

The best wines of France, Germany and northern Italy are way ahead of South Australia, Chile, Argentina and South Africa (with maybe a couple of exceptions).

tarija wrote:Whatever you do, AVOID the 2011 vintage in Australia. 99% poor value for pinot noir, especially with 2010 and 2012 floating around.

You have to be trolling.

Unfortunately for people who like generalising, some wine drinkers enjoy lighter styles, higher acids, elegance. 2011 provided an opportunity for smart vignerons to express these virtues.