($20, Foster’s Wine Estates):  The Marlborough region is battling Martinborough and Central Otago for the title of Pinot Noir capital of New Zealand.  If the region keeps producing wines like this and at this price, it will be declared the winner.  Matua’s Pinot Noir in their Estate Series, their upper tier of wines, exhibits great varietal character and a lush combination of ripe berry fruit mingled with attractive earthiness. Not overripe, it’s balance and finesse lingers in the finish.  It is the best $20 Pinot Noir I’ve had in a long time. 92 Michael Apstein May 1, 2007