An amazing 1,407 wines were entered into this year’s Air New Zealand Wine Awards, and on November 10th judges awarded an amazing 84 medals to wines from around the country.

“Pinot Noir was once again the star performer with 18 golds,” said Chair of Judges and Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich. “Predominantly the wines came from Otago, Marlborough and the Wairarapa, but Nelson, Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noirs were also in the mix.”

Judges also awarded 220 silver and and 551 bronze medals across all categories. We’ve picked five of our favourite Pinot Noir medal winners for you to try.

• Te Tera Martinborough Pinot Noir (Gold) - Spice and black cherry notes on the nose leads to soft smooth tannins red fruits coming through on the palate

• Peregrine Pinot Noir (Silver) - Chocolate and black cherry on the nose with berry flavours on the palate. A layered and elegant drop

• Rockburn Pinot Noir (Silver) - Previously a gold medal winner, the 'hands-off' approach of the winemaker with this wine leads to silky tannins, rich fruit and mocha flavours and a luxuriously long finish

• Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir (Gold) - Wild berries and cloves on the nose, leads to a complex palate with silky tannins

• Ara Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Silver) - A classical expression of Marlborough with dark raspberry and boysenberry flavours. A soft, savoury and well rounded wine