Best Value Pinot Noir of 2026
I drink a fair amount of Pinot Noir and my personal funds are not unlimited and while I, admittedly, receive a lot of sample bottles I prefer to turn off come evening time and try not to drink the work, so to speak. Which means that I’m always looking for Pinot Noir value myself. So far in 2026 three wines have really jumped out at me.
Stonier Pinot Noir 2025 $45. The fancy single vineyard and reserve wines of Stonier from 2025 are terrific – reviewed to The Winefront here – but for me personally I’m happy with this ‘standard’ release. Truth is that there’s nothing standard about it. I’m not sure whether this release will be discounted but previous vintages have taken a haircut at times so here’s hoping that the odd bargain pops up. Let there be no doubt: this 2025 Stonier Pinot Noir is one for the ages. indeed, as mentioned here, I think it’s the best ever.
Bellvale Gippsland Pinot Noir 2025 $39. There’s something about Gippsland Pinot Noir – or there is when it’s good. This release from Bellvale is especially good. Bellvale is a long-established vineyard that was recently bought by Port Phillip Estate, and the early result of this acquisition is that drinkers are the big winners. I haven’t formally reviewed this wine to the Mattinson site – I reviewed it on The Winefront site here – but it’s dashingly complex and, at $39, it’s pretty much number one on my buy list. This is light, insistent, complex and pretty much everything you’d hope a young Pinot Noir to be. It also has that Gippsland x-factor.
Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir 2025 $26. I don’t know how they keep doing it but do it, they most certainly do. Every year without fail for the past 20+ years Hoddles Creek Estate has streeted the field and made/released Australia’s best value Pinot Noir. Every year! It’s incredible. The 2025 release is right up there once again – I gave it 93/100 on The Winefront site – and can safely report that this 2024 is as firm and fine and complex and delicious as it always is.
I’ll keep adding to this list as I discover more wines worthy.
Cheers, Campbell.
