Akitu A1 Black Label Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021

Akitu A1 Black Label Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021"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.

"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" Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

"The 2021 Pinot Noir A 1 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 mesh-like sensation. It's not a big wine but has plenty of substance within its medium-bodied frame. A concentration of flavor 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" Vinous, May 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" James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com, Mar 2024

Mid ruby garnet with a brick red glow. The spicy mineral perfume is familiar – intriguing and restrained, promising another elegant evolution. This vintage marked with wildflowers and woody herbs - the fruit sitting confidently in the red spectrum.

Fresh and lifted raspberries and ripe red cherry, background brown spice and some rose petal detail. Subtle graphite and anise with a light herb note. Very fresh and youthful, a hint of pink peppercorn and briar. Forthright and aromatically on its toes for now, along
with a suitably subtle and integrated oak fragrance.

Juicy and plush with very fine tannins and a supple texture. Svelte red cherry fruit with depth and purity around a voluptuous plump core - juicy and open, yet slick and polished. Fabulous tension and coiled energy and there is an earthy length and complexity to the finish but it’s the ripe red cherry which runs all the way through. Hints of graphite and smoky depth. The palate is very crisp and vibrant, almost resonant acidity sitting comfortably within the tannin frame, enveloping warmth on the finish - cashmere blanket type stuff.

Exquisite fruit, silky tannins held in a pronounced structure, long and persistent. It’s in great shape now but there is nothing but upside from another 5 to 10 in the cellar – but you’ll need to keep it hidden!

Food Pairing: Autumn evening, fire pit, grilled pork chops with cherry compote. Bring that blanket.