The region most responsible for success with Pinot Noir in New Zealand has been Martinborough. Located about an hour’s drive north of Wellington, near the southern tip of the North Island, this region is slightly warmer than Marlborough, but still a relatively cool climate. The Pinot Noirs here display lovely cherry and strawberry fruit in the style of a Russian River or Carneros bottling, while featuring an earthy, dried spice quality that is reminiscent of Côte de Nuits wines. While sometimes not as intense as Pinots from Otago, these are elegant offerings, best evidenced by the wines from Palliser and Martinborough Vineyards. (Wine/Appellations)