2025 42 Degrees South Pinot Noir $32

'When you're on a good thing, stick to it.' The Mortein fly spray ad – that ran from the 1930s to the 1980s – was part of one of Australia's most successful marketing campaigns. Humans are creatures of habit. We're drawn to products that offer consistency in style, quality and value.

You're not likely to hear the old mantra being reprised at Frogmore Creek, but the principles certainly underpin recent vintages of 42 Degrees South Pinot Noir. The wines are driven by the quality of their fruit, which comes off the company's own vineyards in the cool, dry Coal River Valley.

They spring to life in tank and return to tank after being pressed off their skins when fermentation stops. There's no oak involved. Malolactic fermentation follows, with lees-ageing in tank adding texture and mouthfeel. Filtering and bottling at the appropriate time captures the fruit's freshness and vibrancy.

The 2024 vintage won gold not long after release at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards. It then won another gold and the Tasmania Trophy at the 2025 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge.

(Tasmanian wines have dominated this event but in 2025 the Challenge champion came from Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. The judges included Frogmore's 42 Degrees South among their top 3 from Tasmania. The others were 2024 Lowestoft Estate and 2024 Bubb + Pooley.)

This 2025 has been shown but once and already has a gold medal (2026 Royal Queensland Wine Awards) to its credit. OK, it's not the most complex and thrilling of Pinots but what do you expect for around $30?

The bright raspberry/black cherry aromatics hint at floral/lavender notes too. The palate is attractive, elegant and light-medium bodied, with a dry, distinctly savoury finish. Daily pump-overs have given the wine all the fine tannins it needs for the meal table. 

Versatility is one of its key selling points. Italian-inspired antipasti, assembled at a moment's notice? Check. Smoked salmon pate or terrine? Check. Charred octopus, quail or whole salmon from the BBQ? Check. Peking Duck or Asian-influenced stir-fry? Check. Meat n three-veg...

This is a Pinot to drink and share every day of the week. Good stuff. 

Source:  Retail purchase

Last page update: 18 August 2026