($18, Vineyard Brands):  The Central Otago area on New Zealand’s South Island is well known for its superb Pinot Noir.  After tasting this wine, you can add Pinot Gris to its list of successful varietals.  With good weight and pear-like notes, this New Zealand beauty is clearly in the Pinot Gris–as opposed to the Pinot Grigio–style of the varietal.  Zesty green apple notes provide balancing liveliness. 88 Michael Apstein Sep 14, 2010