Akitu 'A2' Pinot Noir 2019

We adore Central Otago Pinot Noir and we have a soft spot for great bottles like this one. The wine has all of the red, juicy Pinot fruit we expect - Cherry, cranberry and floral hints. What we adore about this region and this wine is the subtle greenness - almost bitterness - present on the palate. Balanced impressively by the silky tannins and fresh acidity. This is a deep, brooding style of Pinot with the subtle, savoury elegance that we expect of the regions top producers.

Press Reviews:

James Suckling: "Bunches of bright red fruits, rose petal and just a hint of cinnamon carry through from the nose to the palate. The exceedingly bright, fresh flavours balance with a depth of flavour and a supple, silky tannin structure. This would be absolutely perfect to drink right away but will also be rewarded by a further one to three years of cellaring, to develop slightly more nuanced flavours. Drink now to 2025" 92 points 

Jamie Goode: "This is seriously drinkable, but has a serious side. Lovely floral cherry fruit with some hints of pepper and some autumn leaves on the nose. The palate is fresh and supple with a touch of spicy, peppery bite as well as textured, silky, almost fleshy black cherry fruit, finishing with a subtly savoury cured meat character and some strawberry sweetness, as well as fine leafy hints. Lots of interest here, with nice freshness. It delivers pure pleasure, with an intellectual twist." 94 points

Founder Andrew Donaldson, a native to Central Otago and a Pinot Noir specialist, had long believed in the region’s ability to produce exceptional world class Pinot Noir and when the opportunity arose to purchase the Mount Barker site, he did so with this in mind. Akitu means apex in the Maori language and the vineyard is entirely dedicated to Pinot Noir. Akitu produce just two red wines, the “A1” and the “A2”.