Decanter New Zealand Pinot Noir Report 2025 written by Emma Jenkins

Quality and individuality are on the rise

The Decanter New Zealand Pinot Noir Report 2025 delivers exciting news for Pinot Noir lovers: New Zealand Pinot Noir is reaching new heights, with quality and regional individuality more clearly defined than ever.

Writing for Decanter, Emma Jenkins MW highlights how producers are working more sensitively with site, climate, and season, moving away from uniform styles toward Pinot Noir that truly expresses place. The result is wines of greater nuance, balance, and authenticity.

Central Otago features strongly in the report, celebrated for Pinot Noir that combines power with finesse. As vineyards mature and growers respond thoughtfully to seasonal variation, the region continues to produce confident, detailed, and expressive wines.

Sustainability is also a key theme. The report notes a growing focus on organic and biodynamic viticulture, soil health, and biodiversity — practices that support long-term vineyard resilience and more distinctive wines.

At Quartz Reef, these values sit at the heart of everything we do. Our biodynamic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking are guided by the belief that individuality begins in the vineyard, and every vintage deserves to speak in its own voice.

We’re stoked to see this reflected in our results:

• Quartz Reef Royal Series Osterreich Pinot Noir 2023 — 96 points
  A powerful yet refined wine from the outstanding 2023 vintage.

• Quartz Reef Single Ferment Pinot Noir 2021 — 97 points
  A distinctive, expressive Pinot Noir recognised among New Zealand’s very best.

The Decanter New Zealand Pinot Noir Report 2025 confirms what we’re passionate about — New Zealand Pinot Noir is entering a confident, exciting era, and Central Otago is leading the way.

 Explore our award-winning Central Otago Pinot Noir and shop online now.

Read the full report: A paywall applies, but it’s worth it for Pinot enthusiasts! 

https://www.decanter.com/premium/new-zealand-pinot-noir-report-2025-572059/

www.quartzreef.co.nz