Asda Extra Special Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand (£9.20 Asda)
Appealing and refreshing young Pinot, with juicy red berry, cherry and plum flesh, a hint of tomato some smoky oak and a silky finish. Maybe a touch simple but very gluggable. B(+)

Crossroads Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand (£13.50 Mentzendorff)
Starts off seeming rather correct and staid but opens up to show warm strawberry and cherry flavours tinged with touch of iron, toasty oak and truffle. Good now, better in a year. B+

Louis Latour Morgon Les Charmes 2009, Burgundy, France (£9.99 Majestic – link is for 2008)
Feels young and disjointed at present, but has nice earthy cherry and raspberry fruit tinged with violets and a spicy peppery finish with a fair bit of tannin. B(+)

Henry Fessy Brouilly 2009, Burgundy, France (£9.99-£10.99 Waitrose, Forth Wines, George Hill, Handford, Weavers of Nottingham)
Firm young wine, tightly coiled initially but opens up to reveal it blackcurrant, berry and plum flesh, and spicy structure. Very tasty youngster. S(-)

Zalze Pinotage 2008, Western Cape, South Africa (£6.99 Majestic – £5.99 if you buy 2)
Real love-it-or-loathe-it wine. Full of Cola Spangles, liquorice, charred banana and bubble gum flavours. Not my style at all, but some will like it. For me, 0; for others, maybe B-

Fairview Pinotage 2008, Coastal Region, South Africa (£9.19 sawinesonline.co.uk)
Fuller and fleshier than the Zalze, but also more subdued. Still has the banana/acetone edges, but there’s also a roasted red berry & plum character, and a chocolatey finish. B(+)