Prophets Rock Infusion Pinot Noir 2018 Bendigo, Central Otago, New Zealand 75cl

Prophet’s Rock is a small, well-regarded Central Otago producer at Bendigo, where winemaker Paul Pujol makes site-driven Pinot Noir and aromatic whites. He has become known for a lighter, more delicate take on the region’s Pinot Noir, and Infusion is the estate’s playful, deliberately lighter red, made to be poured cool and drunk young.

The name describes the method. Rather than the usual hard extraction from the skins, the hand-picked grapes infuse in their own juice before pressing and a gentle ferment in old barrels. The result carries more colour and structure than a rose, yet keeps a silky, vibrant lightness. It is pure Pinot Noir from one block on the free-draining schist slopes of the Rocky Point vineyard, where the low-yielding fruit is organically grown and gently handled to keep the wine pure and unforced.

The 2018 vintage in Central Otago was a warm, early season, which suits this style by giving ripe, generous fruit without heaviness.

Expect a bright, perfumed nose of crunchy red berries, cherry, raspberry and cranberry, with a light dusting of spice. The palate is fresh and gentle, with fine tannins and a splash of acidity keeping everything lively and easy, while a savoury thread stops it feeling sweet or simple.

This is a red for warm days and relaxed tables, made for early drinking rather than the cellar. Serve it lightly chilled alongside charcuterie, grilled salmon or a summer lunch. If you like the idea of a red with the refreshment of a rose, this is a lovely place to start.