THE 2021 BETTER HALF PINOT NOIR

The latest release of The Better Half Pinot Noir is wowing wine lovers and critics alike.

Although The Better Half Pinot has long been enjoyed as a delicious, fruit-flavoured, easy-to-enjoy red wine, the 2021 vintage has taken this fun wine style and ramped the intensity up a notch.

Critics agree that it is the best release yet of this popular wine.

The 2021 Season in Marlborough, NZ

Marlborough’s cool spring, and sunny, dry summer in 2021 provided perfect conditions for growing grapes and produced small bunches of intensely flavoured fruit.

For Pinot Noir, the tiny berries made for a penetrating and delicious wine. The ripe red berry flavours and perfumed floral notes came together nicely as the wine rested in the winery. The finished wine is now available and George is quietly pleased with the resulting drop.

And he’s not the only one!

Bling for The Better Half Pinot Noir 2021

New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas, awarded 92 points to The Better Half Pinot Noir 2021, and described it as “Plush, fruity and dry on the palate with moderately firm tannins and plenty of acidity setting a decent foundation for core fruit flavours.”

Another local reviewer, Sam Kim of Wine Orbit, also gave the wine 92 Points. He stated that “The palate delivers excellent weight and fine texture splendidly complemented by juicy fruit intensity and silky mouthfeel, finishing long and delectable.”

George agrees and feels that the 2021 vintage of The Better Half is one of his best efforts yet: classy and full of flavour, elegant and easy-to-enjoy.

He can’t wait to share a glass of this Marlborough magic with you. Check out your nearest stockist and grab yourself a bottle!

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Off the Beaten Track: The Better Half Wine, New Zealand

Wild Marlborough Places That Inspire The Better Half Wines

Most people picture Marlborough as vineyards, cafés, and carefully curated landscapes — and they’re not wrong. But you don’t have to go far beyond that tame beauty to find wild ridgelines, remote coasts, and alpine valleys that feel like the edge of the earth.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite spots to escape to at the end of the week, all within an hour or two of Blenheim, yet all delivering that exhilarating “untouched world” feeling that inspires The Better Half Wines.

Altimarloch & the Black Birch / Blairich Peaks

High country adventure right behind one of our top Sauvignon Blanc vineyards.

Altimarloch and its cousins Blairich and Black Birch peaks sit high above the Awatere Valley, offering sweeping 360 views across Marlborough’s vineyards and valleys, as well as out to the coast and inland towards Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku – the South Island’s highest peak. A 4WD track leads from just by one of our favourite Sauvignon Blanc vineyards and takes you almost to the summit, making it an easy gateway to the rugged ridgelines, beloved by hunters and high-country hunters, and – for George – an adrenaline-filled mountain bike ride back down!

Why we love it: This high-altitude, sunshine-rich country is critical for the bright, energetic character of our Sauvignon Blanc.

Cape Campbell Coast

Remote, windswept, and alive with birdlife — a coastline we help protect.

The pale uplifted rock shelves and rugged coastal cliffs, long stretches of shingle beach, and sweeping sand dunes make Cape Campbell feel like another planet. And that’s before you consider the lighthouse: an imposing sentinel over the beaches and featured in the movie “The Light Between Oceans”. It’s also home to important seabird species, which is why we proudly support the local East Coast Protection Group. George loves to land his plane on the local airstrip amongst the grasses there and chat to the local volunteers about how the conservation work is going

Why we love it: Cool ocean breezes keep our nights cool and help shape Marlborough’s aromatic, refreshing style.

Molesworth Station

NZ’s largest high-country station is the perfect back country adventure. The Molesworth is vast, raw, and unforgettable: tussock valleys, braided rivers, and back country roads roll on for hours. It’s prime territory for 4WD adventures or multi day hikes, with star filled camping under the vast southern skies.

Why we love it: Cosy campfires and Sauvignon by starlight is what The Better Half Wine is all about.

View over river and peaks of Marlborough: Perfect location for a Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Rainbow Ski Area

A high-altitude playground— built for skiing in winter and mountain biking or 4WD adventures towards Hanmer in the summer. The road up to Rainbow Ski Area is an adventure of its own. In winter it’s a friendly, uncrowded ski field; in summer it becomes a favourite 4WD and mountain biking route, offering huge views across the ranges.

Why we love it: It’s a reminder that Marlborough’s “civilised” wine country is never far from true alpine grit — the same contrast that makes our wines refreshing yet full of character. Why we love it: It’s the perfect reminder that Marlborough’s wilder side is never far away

St Arnaud & Nelson Lakes National Park

Beech forests and alpine trails, with an icy lake for waterborne adventures.

Just over an hour from Blenheim, St Arnaud is the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park, a region of alpine peaks, beech forests, and deep blue lakes. one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine regions.

Favourite adventures:

Mt Roberts ridge loop
The alpine journey to Lake Angelus
Waterskiing on Lake Rotoiti when it’s glassy and calm

Why we love it: George & Jules spend many summer days here — adventures here start early to make the most of the days and always finish with a well earned glass of wine.

George setting off on his Mountain Biking Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Taste Marlborough’s Wild Side

These landscapes — high country, coast, and alpine lakes — inspire the adventurous spirit of The Better Half Wines. You don’t need to hike a ridge or land on a beach to experience them. Just pour a glass.

👉 The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc
👉 The Better Half Pinot Noir

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