Akitu A1 Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir 2022 750ml

Decanter 06/2024: Red cherry dominates the nose deliciously, both juicy flesh and crunchy skin, along with some cherry stone lift. The palate falls into step, providing tension, delicacy with very fine tannins that give way with the gentlest crunch, enticing and appetising, showing the altitude of these Mount Barker vineyards in Wanaka. It is the bright, vivid freshness, however, that defines this in its elegance and full-fruited intensity, with just a touch of heat. The finish reinforces that juicy fruit as well as the beautiful tannin structure that will allow this to age effortlessly. (AK)

Vinious 05/2024: The 2021 Pinot Noir A1 is almost good enough to eat with its density of flavor and rich texture that will leave you chewing on it appreciatively. It has an abundance of tannin {in the context of Pinot Noir), which is cleverly integrated within the core of the wine, creating a mesn-like sensation. It's not a big wine but has plenty of substance within its medium-bodied frame. A concentration of Aavor is layered with ripe cherry fruit and herbal characters. A balsamic tinge joins oak-derived cedar notes. Long, scented and textural, this is a wine you want to get your mouth around. (RG) 

James Suckling 03/2024: There's a pretty juiciness, with mushroom and bark notes to the strawberry and cherry character that remains subtle and fresh. Tannin  are well-integrated. Medium-bodied, tight and focused pinot with good length. Nice tangy finish. Drink or hold.

Ruby garnet with a brick red rim – familiar and reassuring.

Tight and restrained with gentle earthy mineral and graphite notes.  There are hints of wild woody herbs just subsurface, and an awful lot going on: wet rocks with red to dark cherry, deep perfume of herbs and fabulous florals. A multitude of primary aromatic layers impress - they show vibrancy now but are just waiting to fold into each other with time, the result will be complexity with few limits.  Exciting.

The entry to the palate is powerful and exuberant with a shimmering freshness and youthful vibrance. Plush, full and very long with gentle persistence to the acid profile. There is a long core of dark cherry and Doris plum fruit over dark florals, hints of tobacco and liquorice add youthful complexity.

Fine but elegantly powerful tannin builds length with some oak derived texture adding dimension and support.

Food - This wine is just beginning its journey so no need to rush but if you need to try it - go with Confit Duck.