Unlike Shiraz or Cabernet, they say you need to spend good money to get a good Pinot Noir but we at WineStar challenge that theory by assembling 3 bottles each from 4 renowned producers from 4 Pinot regions from the Adelaide Hills, Geelong, Yarra Valley and Tasmania.  All four wines have received 94 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics which serves to highlight the tremendous quality.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        Austins Pinot Noir 2023
3 bottles        Medhurst Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2025
3 bottles        Vandenberg Six Brothers Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2025
3 bottles        Bell & Gong Valleyfield Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Austins Pinot Noir 2023
Fermented with 15% whole bunches in open fermenters and matured in French oak (20% new). A bright ruby crimson. Primary and brightly fruited with its bouquet of dark cherries and raspberries, which are complemented by subtle florals and spice. Medium bodied, there's a touch of blood orange on the refreshing, gently persistent palate. Finishes with silky tannins that bode well for the medium-term. Drink to: 2029; Date Tasted: Feb 2025; Alcohol: 13.6%; Price: $50.00; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Medhurst Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2025
Mostly MV6. 5% whole bunches. 20% new oak. A very bright crimson. Aromatic with a bouquet of red fruits, poached rhubarb, rose petal and spice. Fleshy and energetic on the palate with fine, silky tannins. Medhurst's calling card is in great form. A delicious wine to drink now through the next 5-7 years. Date: Jan 2026; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $38.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Vandenberg Six Brothers Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2025
This is a fine Pinot Noir. It has substance, it has a pretty side, it's impressively well structured and it extends beautifully through the finish. Win-win-win. Red cherry and strawberry flavours come flashed with elaborate smoked meat and dried flowers characters. The spread of this wine, the gravity and the extended finish are all A-Grade. Date Tasted: April 2026; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $50.00; Closure: Diam; Rating: 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson

Bell & Gong Valleyfield Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024
This is a wonderful example of Tassie pinot. The nose displays bright red fruits with just a subtle, slightly damp earth truffly character sitting within. The palate picks up those cherry and raspberry red fruits with a touch of mulberry. And there's a firmish, fine thread of tannin that gives it structure and poise. This is a classy, expressive pinot noir that can handle cellaring in the slightly longer term, but it is drinking superbly right now. Price: $45.00; Drink to: 2025-2035; Rating: 94 Points; Ray Jordan