Joe Czerwinski

Managing Editor of Digital and Print

In his role, Joe Czerwinski manages all aspects of digital and print production for Wine Enthusiast Magazine as well as helping drive the creative direction of the dynamic online and print publications. Czerwinski has been a wine journalist, editor and taster for over a decade and is a regular wine panelist, speaker and educator for events and organizations worldwide. Czerwinski was previously Senior Editor and Tasting Director for Wine Enthusiast Media. Czerwinski currently reviews wines from Australia, New Zealand and the Rhône Valley in France.

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Saint Clair 2010 Pioneer Block 22 Barn Block Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

Editors' Choice

Price $30

Saint Clair’s Pioneer Block wines are always worth trying for their expressions of Marlborough’s subregional characters. This one, from deep clay soils at the foot of the Dry Hills, features a bold cherry aroma and flavor, backed by ample vanilla and baking spice notes. It’s big and slightly chunky in style, but it seems likely to smooth out over the next 12 months… — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Greywacke 2010 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

Price $39

Former Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd has produced a moderately full-bodied, lush Pinot Noir under his own label. Intense cherry-berry fruit is framed by smoky, spicy oak that ends on notes of clove and hickory. Drink it over the next several years. — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Saint Clair 2010 Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

Price $30

One of the top offerings from Saint Clair is invariably its Omaka Reserve. The 2010 features blackberry and cola notes that are accented by a hickory smoke tone, a harmonious and supple texture and a moderately long finish. Ready to drink now, the wine should easily last another few years. — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Mud House 2010 Golden Terraces Vineyard Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

Editors' Choice

Price $25

Made from fruit that was sourced from Central Otago’s Bendigo subregion, this is a ripe and concentrated wine that still manages to show a surprising degree of elegance on the finish. Black cherry fruit is framed by maple syrup and brown sugar timbering. The wine seems chunky and full at first, but it smooths out and turns supple by the finish. It should drink well… — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Villa Maria 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

Price $40

This is an amply endowed, round wine, with no hard edges. The ripe cherry fruit is dusted with hints of dusty earth and ground cinnamon that linger on the finish. It’s a lush, harmonious mouthful of Pinot pleasure. Drink now–2020. — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Cobblestone 2010 Te Muna Pinot Noir (Martinborough)

Price $50

The Te Muna Road section of Martinborough is the same region exploited by Craggy Range and Escarpment, so Cobblestone’s American owners are in good company. Only the second release of this wine, the 2010 is a plush, sexy example, featuring a combination of fruity and savory components. Black cherry fruit pushes through complex notes of smoke, sous bois and shiitake… — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Pegasus Bay 2009 Pinot Noir (Waipara Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $40

Smoky aromas of hickory-laced dark fruit lead the way, easily sliding into boysenberry and bacon notes on the palate. The flavors are meaty and savory, not simply fruity, while the texture is lush. One of the best examples of Peg Bay Pinot Noir in memory, it finishes long, framed by supple tannins. Drink now–2020. — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Man O' War 2009 Dreadnought Syrah (Waiheke Island)

Online Exclusive

Price $45

Man O’ War’s 2008 Dreadnought put the winery on the map, and, although not quite as dramatic, the 2009 is a worthy successor. Aromas are lifted, peppery and cherry-filled, while the flavor nuances include smoke and pepper-cured meats. The wine is medium bodied and is marked by silky tannins and crisp acids. Drink now–2018. — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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2009 Penascal

This Tempranillo is rubbery and leathery smelling, with roasted berry…

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