It's official. Our Pinot Noirs exhibit clear regional differences with the challenge now being to dig deeper and expose within-region characteristics.

That's the key outcome from the first Formal Tasting at Pinot Noir 2010 - a gathering of some of the world's most influential wine critics and commentators with one question on their mind - how good is our Pinot Noir?

"I got the sense that we all could have tasted and then carried on debating for some time which is a clear indication that regional differences in our Pinot Noirs are there but need closer examination," said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman and Villa Maria Group Winemaker, Alastair Maling MW.

"It was good that the wines were tasted blind as this meant we were all put on the spot in terms of trying to get a regional sense of character and typicity," said Alastair.

Seven wines were on show for this tasting and, as delegates move off to a lunch hosted by Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast the discussion still goes on.

"This is what Pinot Noir 2010 is all about - good debate about the quality of our Pinot Noirs - it's why we spend two plus years planning the event," said Alastair.

And after lunch delegates will go straight back into the tasting hall for the second Formal Tasting of the day this time testing the ability of our Pinots to age.