Ten pinot noir wines earn top honors at 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards

At the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, ten Pinot Noir wines from around the world were recognized as the best still Pinot Noir wines, each earning a score of 97 out of 100 points. The results were announced in London earlier this month, with two wines receiving the prestigious Best in Show distinction and eight others awarded Platinum medals. The winners represent a diverse range of regions, including France, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, and the United States.

Among the top honors, Albert Bichot’s Hospices De Beaune Cuvée Cyrot-Chaudron Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2023 from Burgundy stood out. This wine, produced from grapes auctioned at the historic Hospices de Beaune and crafted by Albert Bichot, is known for its deep garnet color and complex aromas of wild raspberry and black cherry. The Decanter panel described it as dense and tapestry-like, with plush tannins that make it approachable now but also suitable for aging.

Craggy Range’s 2024 Pinot Noir from Martinborough, New Zealand, also took Best in Show. Priced at $25 per bottle, it offers bright ruby color and aromas of red cherry and plum skin. The wine’s palate is marked by vibrant acidity and smooth tannins, with flavors of strawberries and dried thyme. Judges praised its purity of fruit and seamless integration of oak.

The Platinum medalists included Bay of Fires Pinot Noir 2023 from Tasmania, which highlights the region’s growing reputation for cool-climate Pinot Noir. This wine features pale ruby color and notes of cranberry and rose petal, with crisp acidity and a clean finish. Domaine Jean Monnier & Fils’ Clos De Citeaux Pommard 1er Cru 2022 from Burgundy was recognized for its robust structure and concentrated dark berry flavors.

From Alsace, Domaine Saint Remy’s Grand Cru Hengst Pinot Noir 2022 showcased ripe fruit and finesse, reflecting the region’s increasing success with red wines due to a warming climate. Domaine Evenstad’s Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru 2022 marked a notable entry as the first Willamette Valley producer to expand into Burgundy. The wine was noted for its delicate layers of red fruit and mineral-laced finish.

Albert Bichot appeared again among the winners with its Domaine Du Clos Frantin Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2023. This wine is known for its intense bouquet of blackberry and cherry liqueur, robust palate, and long finish with layered complexity.

Germany was represented by Fritz Wassmer’s Roter Berg Kenzingen Spätburgunder 2022 from Baden. This light ruby wine features aromas of red currant and wild strawberry, with silky tannins and brisk acidity.

New Zealand’s McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2023 from Central Otago was recognized for its bold style, deep color, and robust palate featuring ripe plum and black cherry notes.

The United States was represented by Domaine Serene’s Yamhill Cuvée Pinot Noir 2022 from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This medium-bodied wine is expressive on the nose with black cherry and rose petal aromas, offering a silky texture and layered red fruit on the palate.

The average retail prices for these wines range widely—from $25 for Craggy Range to $762 for Albert Bichot’s Clos de la Roche Grand Cru—according to Wine Searcher data. All are bottled in standard 750 ml formats.

The Decanter World Wine Awards are one of the most respected international wine competitions. The judging panel consists of leading experts who conduct blind tastings to ensure impartiality. This year’s results highlight both established regions like Burgundy as well as emerging areas such as Tasmania and Central Otago.

The recognition given to these ten wines underscores Pinot Noir’s global appeal and versatility. While French producers dominated the list, strong showings from New Zealand, Australia, Germany, and Oregon reflect the grape’s adaptability to different climates and winemaking styles. For consumers interested in exploring top-quality Pinot Noir at various price points, this year’s award winners offer a diverse selection from across the world.