Babich Black Label Pinot Noir 2023 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Babich Black Label Pinot Noir from Marlborough displays aromas of ripe red cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and a touch of earthy leather. It's dry and medium-bodied with smooth, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity that makes this red wonderfully versatile with food. Serve it slightly below room temperature alongside roast turkey with herb stuffing where the wine's delicate structure and bright fruit complement the lean meat and savory flavors, or pair it with grilled portobello mushroom burgers where the wine's earthy notes echo the umami richness while the acidity cuts through any toppings. Chief winemaker Joe Babich, who was inducted into the New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame alongside his brother Peter and earned Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit honors for his contributions to the industry, crafts this sustainably-grown 100% Pinot Noir from grapes sourced from the Wairau and Waihopai Valleys, then ages it for seven months in French oak barrels with 25% new oak to add complexity while preserving the wine's fruit-forward character. First produced in 2014, the Black Label range was specifically developed as food-friendly wines, and this family-owned winery celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016, making it one of New Zealand's oldest continuously operating wine estates since Croatian immigrant Josip Babich planted his first vines in Henderson in 1912. Enjoy this approachable Pinot Noir through 2032.

Pinot Noir food pairings: veal chops, turkey, pork tenderloin.

Voluptuous Veal Wine

This Babich Black Label Pinot Noir 2023 was reviewed on March 21, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

Recipes for Babich Black Label Pinot Noir 2023

• Autumn Pear And Pumpkin Bisque
• Avocado and Papaya Salad
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• Basic Basil Pesto
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