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Welcome to Akarua by

Edmond de Rothschild

In October 2022 Edmond de Rothschild Heritage purchased 34.5 hectares of established vineyards belonging to Akarua, a historic and pioneering vineyard in Central Otago; an important and much-longed-for addition to the

Edmond de Rothschild Heritage range.

Across the nine estates spread over four continents, owned by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, Arianne de Rothschilds vision remains consistent; to reveal the quintessence of the terroirs and enhance their inherent character while respecting the environment, and to elevate the wines to their highest heights: a vision her team here most wholeheartedly believe in.

Akarua's acquisition by Edmond de Rothschild came 10 years after the founding of Edmond de Rothschilds first New Zealand estate, Rimapere, in the Marlborough Valley, the country’s leading wine region renowned for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc. The vast majority of those 34.5 hectares purchased in 2022 are on Cairnmuir Road, ideally placed given its reputation as the holy grail of Bannockburn. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains and amid breathtaking scenery, the land here offers rare balanced conditions which are suited to producing very fine pinot noirs.

We welcome you to take part in our journey, enjoy a glass of Akarua or Rimapere wines and hope to see you at one of our cellar doors soon!

Reviews

Akarua Siren Pinot Noir 2018 - 95 points, Bob Campbell MW

"A barrel selection of wine made from the best parcels of the Cairnmuir Road home block. Intense, complex pinot noir with plum, dark berry, floral and wood-smoke with a signature of wild thyme. An elegant wine with layers of different flavours. Well-structured with obvious cellaring potential."

Akarua Pinot Noir 2021 - 94 points, Bob Campbell MW

"Delicately aromatic pinot noir with floral/violet, cassis, dark cherry, anise/spice, thyme, and nutty oak flavours. Supple, medium-bodied pinot that is very approachable now but should develop well with a little bottle age."

Akarua Chardonnay 2021 - 93 Points, MS Cameron Douglas

"Aromas and flavours of mineral and smoky barrel, there's a fine dusty earth quality then white peach and fresh red apple flesh, there's no mistaking the grapefruit and lemon flavours as the wine opens up in glass. Smoky, mineral, fruity, varietal and youthful, a satin smooth wine with vibrato and length, fine tannins and flinty finish. Best drinking from 2023 through 2027+."