7 Brilliant Excellent Pinot Noir Picks to Savour in 2026
i r P i c k s t o S a v o u r i n 2 0 2 6
Pinot Noir has a certain magic, doesn’t it? There’s something about that delicate balance of fruit, earth, and silkiness that keeps wine lovers coming back for more. As we head into 2026, the buzz around this varietal only grows.
But finding an excellent pinot noir can feel like a treasure hunt. With so many choices, how do you know which bottles are truly worth your time and money? That’s where this guide comes in.
Get ready to explore seven brilliant Pinot Noir picks. These bottles could become your new favourites, perfect for sipping, sharing, and maybe even buying direct from the source.
Why Pinot Noir Remains a Standout in 2026
Is there a wine more captivating than Pinot Noir? For many, the journey to discover excellent pinot noir feels endless, and yet, every glass offers something new. Pinot Noir draws you in with its delicate perfume, silky texture, and layers of flavour that reveal themselves with each sip. It’s the wine you reach for on a special night, or when you want to impress at dinner.
What truly sets Pinot Noir apart is its reputation as the “heartbreak grape.” It’s notoriously fussy in the vineyard, making every bottle hard-won. The grape thrives only in certain climates, needing just the right balance of warmth and coolness. When the conditions are perfect, Pinot Noir delivers a wine that’s both elegant and complex. Its flavours can range from bright red cherry and wild berry to earthy truffle and savoury spice.
Pinot Noir’s versatility at the table is legendary. Whether you’re serving roast chicken, salmon, or a mushroom risotto, a glass of excellent pinot noir brings everything together. Critics often praise its food-pairing magic, calling it one of the most adaptable wines for any meal.
In recent years, demand for excellent pinot noir has exploded. Wine lovers around the world are eager to discover new regions and boutique producers. According to industry reports, the global wine market is booming, with premium bottles leading the charge. More people than ever are seeking organic and sustainably made Pinots, drawn to their purity and sense of place.
Climate change is also reshaping where Pinot Noir flourishes. Some classic regions are facing warmer seasons, while new cool-climate areas are emerging. This has inspired many growers to adopt organic and biodynamic practices, hoping to protect their vines and create wines that reflect their unique terroir.
Recent years have seen Pinot Noir win top awards at international competitions. Sommeliers and critics are quick to spotlight new artisanal producers, especially those who focus on small-batch, single-vineyard wines. The excitement around the 2026 vintage is real, with experts predicting even greater depth and character in bottles from both established and rising regions.
If you’re hunting for your next favourite, now is the perfect time to explore excellent pinot noir from boutique estates. The best bottles are often just a click away, waiting to be discovered online and shared with friends.
7 Brilliant Excellent Pinot Noir Picks to Savour in 2026
Looking for your next excellent pinot noir? You are in the right place. Below, you will discover seven bottles that truly stand out for 2026. Each one offers something unique, whether you are after pure fruit, sustainable values, or that elusive wow factor. Ready to find your new favourite? Let us dive in.
Fancrest Estate Waipara Pinot Noir 2019
If you want an excellent pinot noir that is pure, vibrant, and hard to find elsewhere, this is your pick. Fancrest Estate crafts their wine in Waipara, North Canterbury, leaning into organic practices and family hands-on care.
- Price: From NZD $55 per bottle (online only)
- Certified organic: Yes, with single-vineyard focus
- Fermentation: Wild vineyard yeasts, aged for flavour peak
Pour a glass and you get vivid cherry, wild herbs, and a gentle earthiness. The silky tannins make each sip smooth, while a fresh, lively finish keeps you coming back. Only available online, so you will not find this excellent pinot noir in the shops—it is a secret worth sharing.
Who is this for? Pinot connoisseurs, organic wine fans, and anyone keen to try a boutique New Zealand bottle. The exclusivity adds to the thrill. Want more ideas? Check out these Pinot Noir recommendations for similar gems.
- Pros: Exceptional quality, sustainable, artisanal
- Cons: Limited release, online only
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2022
Craving Old World elegance with a New World twist? This excellent pinot noir from Domaine Drouhin blends French tradition with Oregon’s cool climate.
- Price: Approx. USD $50-60
- Estate-grown: Burgundy family roots in Willamette Valley
- Terroir: Cool-climate, French winemaking
Expect red cherry, rose petal, and a pinch of spice. The balanced acidity gives it freshness, while structure hints at long life. If you enjoy Burgundy but want to try something from across the Pacific, this excellent pinot noir is a safe bet.
Perfect for collectors, Burgundy lovers, and those who want food-friendly wine for the table. The price reflects its pedigree, but you get finesse and age-worthiness.
- Pros: French style, American soil, consistent quality
- Cons: Higher price, reflects its fame
Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2021
Ata Rangi is an icon in New Zealand’s Pinot world. If you are looking for a cellar-worthy, excellent pinot noir, this one is hard to beat.
- Price: NZD $80-100
- Farming: Sustainable, low yields, minimal intervention
- Winemaking: Legendary Martinborough producer
In the glass, you will find dark cherry, ripe plum, and layers of savoury spice. The finish is long and memorable. Critics rave about this wine’s depth, and it is a favourite for gifting or marking special occasions.
If you are building a collection or want to experience one of the best, this excellent pinot noir consistently ranks at the top. It is a treat for yourself or someone you want to impress.
- Pros: Top ratings, deep flavours, ageable
- Cons: Premium price
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2022
Central Otago is famous for vibrant Pinot, and Felton Road leads the pack. This excellent pinot noir comes from a certified biodynamic estate, using gravity-flow winemaking and wild fermentation.
- Price: NZD $75-90
- Biodynamic: Yes, with minimal filtration
- Winery: Gravity-flow, pure site expression
Taste redcurrant, floral notes, and a hint of mineral in every sip. The wine is pure and expressive, reflecting its special site. Sustainability is a core value here, so you can feel good about every glass.
Felton Road is ideal for enthusiasts who want eco-friendly wine with real age potential. If you chase purity and site-driven character, this excellent pinot noir is a must-try.
- Pros: Pure, sustainable, ageable
- Cons: Limited allocations, high demand
Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022
For those who want luxury, Kosta Browne delivers. This excellent pinot noir is all about intensity and plush texture, crafted in small batches from top Sonoma Coast vineyards.
- Price: USD $100-120
- Vineyards: Sourced from the best along the coast
- Winemaking: Meticulous grape selection, small production
You will find ripe strawberry, baking spice, and a silky mouthfeel. Awards stack up for this wine, making it highly sought after by collectors and those looking for a showstopper.
The downside? It is expensive and not easy to get. But if you want an excellent pinot noir with power and depth, it is worth the hunt.
- Pros: Intense fruit, award-winning, plush
- Cons: Pricey, hard to find
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2022
Cloudy Bay is a household name in Marlborough, and their Pinot Noir keeps raising the bar. This excellent pinot noir is made with modern techniques and sustainable vineyard practices.
- Price: NZD $50-60
- Winemaking: Innovative, sustainable
- Label: Iconic, easy to recognise
Pour a glass and enjoy red berry flavours, a touch of subtle oak, and refreshing acidity. It is accessible and reliable, perfect for entertaining or as an everyday luxury.
If you want an excellent pinot noir that is easy to find and pairs well with many foods, Cloudy Bay is a versatile pick. It is a safe choice for gifts, too.
- Pros: Consistent, food-friendly, accessible
- Cons: Larger production, less boutique
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022
Want to taste Burgundy without breaking the bank? This excellent pinot noir from Louis Jadot is the answer. It is classic, approachable, and gives you a real sense of French style.
- Price: NZD $35-45
- Vinification: Traditional, regional character
- Producer: Renowned Burgundy négociant
Expect bright cherry, floral notes, and gentle tannins. It is not as complex as pricier wines, but it is reliable and versatile for casual dinners or weeknight sipping.
If you are just starting your Pinot journey, or want value, this excellent pinot noir is a smart entry point. It is also great for sharing with friends who are new to the grape.
- Pros: Affordable, consistent, versatile
- Cons: Lighter style, less depth
Quick Comparison Table
| Wine | Country/Region | Price (NZD/USD) | Key Qualities | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fancrest Estate Waipara 2019 | NZ (Waipara) | $55+ (NZD) | Organic, exclusive | Boutique seekers |
| Domaine Drouhin Oregon 2022 | USA (Oregon) | $50-60 (USD) | French finesse, ageable | Burgundy fans |
| Ata Rangi Martinborough 2021 | NZ (Martinborough) | $80-100 (NZD) | Iconic, deep flavour | Collectors |
| Felton Road Bannockburn 2022 | NZ (Central Otago) | $75-90 (NZD) | Biodynamic, pure | Eco advocates |
| Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast 2022 | USA (California) | $100-120 (USD) | Plush, intense | Luxury buyers |
| Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2022 | NZ (Marlborough) | $50-60 (NZD) | Accessible, reliable | Entertaining |
| Louis Jadot Bourgogne 2022 | France (Burgundy) | $35-45 (NZD) | Classic, affordable | Beginners, value |
Each bottle here is more than just an excellent pinot noir. It is a chance to explore, taste, and maybe even find your new favourite. Remember, the best wine is the one you enjoy most. Cheers to discovering something special in 2026.
How to Choose the Perfect Pinot Noir for Your Taste
Choosing an excellent pinot noir is a joy, especially with so many choices out there. Where to begin? Start with the style you enjoy. Do you love fruit-forward, earthy, spicy, or floral notes? Each bottle tells a different story on your palate.
Let’s look at how region shapes flavour. Burgundy gives you subtlety and finesse. New Zealand brings bright fruit and freshness. Oregon offers earthy complexity, while California leans richer and riper. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Region | Typical Style | Notable Flavour Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | Elegant, restrained | Red cherry, mushroom |
| New Zealand | Vibrant, pure | Cherry, wild herbs |
| Oregon | Earthy, balanced | Plum, spice, forest floor |
| California | Bold, fruit-driven | Strawberry, cola, vanilla |
Vintage is another factor. Young wines burst with fruit, while older bottles develop earthy, savoury layers. Wondering how time affects your excellent pinot noir? Check out this guide on the effect of cellaring on Pinot Noir to learn more about how flavours evolve.
Sustainability matters, too. Many top producers now offer organic or biodynamic bottles. Look for certifications on the label if that’s important to you.
Price can help guide your choice. Sometimes it’s worth splurging for a special occasion, but you can also find great value. Pairing is simple—pinot noir matches with chicken, salmon, mushrooms, and even duck.
Read reviews and tasting notes to narrow your search. Don’t forget, buying direct from boutique producers online gives you access to exclusive bottles like Fancrest Estate’s excellent pinot noir. That’s where the real gems hide.
Serving and Storing Pinot Noir: Tips for Maximum Enjoyment
Serving excellent pinot noir at its best is all about the details. Getting it right can turn a good glass into a truly memorable experience.
Start with temperature. Pinot Noir shines at 12-16°C. Too cold, and flavours hide. Too warm, and alcohol dominates.
Glassware matters. Use a large, tulip-shaped glass to capture those delicate aromas.
Should you decant? Young excellent pinot noir often benefits from a quick decant to open up. Older bottles might need gentle handling, so pour slowly to leave any sediment behind.
Storage is simple. Keep bottles lying on their side, in a cool, dark spot. Avoid kitchen benches or anywhere with temperature swings.
Wondering how long to cellar? Most New Zealand Pinot Noir is ready within five years, but top picks, like Fancrest Estate, can age beautifully for even longer.
Pairing ideas? Pinot Noir loves roast chicken, grilled salmon, or earthy mushrooms. Try it with a cheese platter for a classic combo.
Want more tips? Check out this guide on how to enjoy natural Pinot Noir for even more ways to savour your next bottle.
A little care in serving and storing lets you get the most from every excellent pinot noir you open.
So, after exploring what makes Pinot Noir truly special and uncovering some incredible bottles to look forward to in 2026, you might be wondering where you can actually get your hands on something exceptional. If you’re keen to try a Pinot that’s crafted with care—organic, hand-made, and aged to perfection—why not have a look at Fancrest Estate’s own selection? You won’t find these wines at your local shop, since they’re sold exclusively online, direct from the family vineyard. Ready to discover your new favourite Pinot Noir? Explore our wine selection here..
