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, Yarra Valley, Mornington and Tasmania.  All four wines have received 91 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics which serves to highlight the tremendous quality.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        Riposte The Dagger Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2023
3 bottles        Miceli Lucys Choice Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2019
3 bottles        Tread Softly Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021
3 bottles        Riversdale Estate Zodiac Range Scorpio Pinot Noir 2023

Riposte The Dagger Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2023
Sourced from the Gumeracha and Lobethal districts, this pours without pretension, light ruby in the glass, cherry fruit and tree-wood fragrance to get you interested. Then pure and straight Pinot flavour profiling with a little anise to add some spice. Bright and perky in the finish, with enough lingering Pinot forest-like earthiness to convince you it’s the real deal, even in its “lite” styling. Very drink-easy. Date: Jan 2024; Price: $24.00; Rating: 92 Points; Tony Love; Wine Pilot

Miceli Lucys Choice Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2019
A lot happening here, and it takes a while to emerge – so please decant first. Once it breaks free you start to appreciate what this is all about. Perfumed black cherry and lifted strawberry varietal notes reveal. The palate is still held tight with that fine precise acidity holding it to a focused very long finish. There’s a silky-smooth palate feel here which is most appealing. An intense and concentrated Pinot that will reward further cellaring. Date: Feb 2024; Drink by: 2024-2034; Rating: 95 Points; Ray Jordan; Wine Pilot

Tread Softly Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Again, every six bottles see a native tree planted. What better excuse could you want? Toss in terrific drinking and cracking value. Again, lower than usual alcohol. A lovely garnet colour. The nose provides notes of red fruits, cherries, animal hides, spices, flesh and delicatessen meats. There is a hint of undergrowth. The palate is dominated by waves of strawberries. Mid length, there are fine tannins. Good linear focus, this will provide pleasure over the next few years. Drink: 2023 - 2026; Price: $22.00; Rating: 91 Points; Ken Gargett

Riversdale Estate Zodiac Range Scorpio Pinot Noir 2023
There is a strong sense of place here, of the Coal River Valley and a maritime-influenced cool climate where Pinot Noir thrives. Brilliant red-cerise hues. Vibrant red fruits to the fore in cherry, plum and cranberry aromas with vanilla and spice. A subtle, almost understated Pinot, gentle and unforced, but still waters . . . Builds slowly, gently on the palate, quite seamless, with a touch of aromatic herbals and earth, undergrowth that embellish together with a light dusting of woodsy spice against the red fruits. Tannins are fine, acidity tempts the tastebuds. Sinewy and succulent, finishing on a high, bright, clean Pinot note. Drink: 2024 - 2033; Price: $40.00; Rating: 94 Points; Jeni Port