100% Pinot Noir from 12 hectare vineyard in Central Otago. Akitu are masters of New Zealand Pinot Noir producing just two wines. Akitu A2 is made from a certain amount of whole bunch pressing and aged in 12% new oak.

Moderate garnet with a mauve edge. Medium intensity plum fruit with subtle cinnamon spice lift defines the nose. The concentration of the primary fruit aromatics builds giving dimension. There is a background nuance of licorice and lavender florals, which elegantly fold into a gentle gamey bouquet. Generous and succulent with a supple tannin texture, the palate has a silky flow with juicy acidity giving impressive length and persistence. Brightness and approachability are the driving force of this wine, however a hint of complexity we have come to expect from this vineyard adds a layer of real and intriguing character to the fruit depth.

Established in 2001 and set in the heart of Central Otago’s Upper Clutha basin, Akitu’s 12-hectare vineyard sits alone at 380 metres above sea level on a stunning north facing slope. Set just minutes from Lake Wanaka the semi-continental climate, with high sunshine hours, hot summers and dry autumns help to create wines of amazing fruit purity and complexity. The vineyard is entirely dedicated to Pinot Noir, block planted in 6 sections on 250 million year old schist soils; Blocks A and B were planted in 2002 with the remainder the following year. There are approximately 41,000 vines of 6 carefully selected clones of Pinot Noir planted across the vineyard according to soil and aspect. Overall 2016 was a very good season indeed with a clean, healthy crop and resultant wines sitting somewhere between the weight and power of the 2014 and the elegance and perfume of the 2015. 27% of the fruit was whole bunch pressed with the balance pressed as whole berry. Ageing took place in French oak, 12% of which was new. The harvest for Akitu ‘A2’ commenced on 22nd April and was completed by the 28th 2016 and bottling 6th April 2017. The 2016 ‘A2’ is made up from 32% UCD 5, 26% 115, 18% 777, 15% 667, 9% Abel clones.

Drinking well right now but it won’t disappoint with 3 to 6 years in the cellar.

Drink with Duck Pancakes, BBQ Duck, Panang Duck curry, Duck a l’Orange, Confit Duck, just Duck and plenty of it. 
Salad not required.