Akarua, Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir, 2019

Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand

Vintage: 2019

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Pinot Noir

ABV: 13.5%

WA: 93 points

Notes: Vegetarian; Vegan

Deep bright ruby in colour, this wine showcases intense plum and red cherry flavours and the complexity. On the nose, it has spicy aromas of star anise, nutmeg and cinnamon intermingled with notes of brambles and wild thyme. The palate is elegantly balanced with a tight acidity and an underlying earthiness. Its finely textured tannins lead to a long, smoky finish.

Akarua's Pinot Noir comes from the 50 hectare estate vineyard at 270 metres above sea level. Ten months in 30% new French oak barriques results in finely textured tannins and spice and the complexity for which Bannockburn Pinot Noir is renowned. 

The Skeggs family were among the first people to buy and plant vineyard land in Central Otago in the mid 1990s, so were lucky enough to acquire a superb north-facing site in Bannockburn. Planted in 1996, this 50-hectare site has since provided the backbone of the Akarua wines. Due to the short growing season in Central Otago, site selection is one of the key elements in making a great wine, and Akarua have a site that is among the very best.