Akarua Pinot Noir

Akarua are consistently one of Central Otago’s top performers when it comes to Pinot Noir. Formerly owned by Sir Clifford and Lady Mary Skeggs, who started Akarua back in 1995, but more recently sold to iconic French wine producer Edmond de Rothschild Heritage.

Sir Clifford Skeggs chucked vines into the ground here in 1996. They knocked out their first vintage in 1999 and by 2002 they claimed a big kahuna – The Champion Wine of Show at the Air NZ Wine Awards! This is their 2021 release and it’s now over 20 sensational vintages for this stellar Central producer.

Ever since that first taste of success on the podium they’ve become utterly addicted to bling. In fact, Akarua Pinot Noir has won a Trophy EVERY year between 2009-2015 and for three successive vintages (2013, 2014 and 2015) has won the Trophy for No.1 Pinot at the NZ International Wine Show – that is simply nuts! The 2016 vintage won 3 Golds. The 2017 won a Gold and 5 Stars Cuisine magazine and rated as the No.2 best NZ Pinot Noir. The 2018 was selected in the “Fine Wines of NZ” list. The 2019 was 95/100 with Bob Campbell. And it goes on and on!

This is their latest 2022 vintage and it’s another top vintage. Scoring 94/100 with Master of Wine Bob Campbell for The Real Review. Bob said “Attractive, aromatic pinot noir with cassis, blackcurrant pastille, fresh herbs, thyme, and subtle spicy oak flavours. Elegant rather than blockbuster wine with real finesse. Supported by a backbone of fine fruit and oak tannins. Accessible now but with development potential.”

From the Bannockburn sub region of Otago this Pinot with real class (and possibly a little under priced!). Drink now and over the next 4-5 years.