Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc 2022 Central Otago 750ml

Mid lemon base with a bronze to pewter hue. Ruby grapefruit across gentle stone fruit perfume with mineral and talc – some apple crumble. The faintest waft of cinnamon and yellow flowers gives way to a touch of autumnal leaves, peach, and nectarine with a hint of almond and brioche. The silky yet textural entry leads powerful stone fruit and spicy apple, a hint of anise adding complexity. Supple but powdery tannins with a chalky carry give line and length. Gently zippy almost umami like, but with a plush core of Rainer cherries. The palate line has a distant horizon setting persistence, with rose petals falling through the line of sight that just keeps going. One of life’s great lessons is to never waste a sunset, and you get a beautiful one here. This wine is all about the fruit profile, which holds a purity and definition in a unique manifestation.

100% 777 clone Pinot Noir, whole bunch pressed, cold settled and racked cloudy to ferment with a neutral yeast strain before extended lees contact to build texture. In essence the winemaking is straightforward, and the vineyard is the hero here. 

Akitu suggest you start with some Sashimi, move onto Takoyaki and Tempura Prawns before a big bowl of Udon Noodles with some spice. If you have finished the bottle, get another, and break out the Hibachi with some Wagyu, this wine will bring it to life.

Think Blanc de Noirs Champagne without the fizz. A fantastic food wine  with racy Pinot Noir acidity. We love it with caviar, it is also dreamy with smoked salmon. What will you try...?  

“Whole-bunch pressed and racked to ferment with natural yeasts. Minimal skin contact results in a blush of colour and fine, peppery phenolics. The wine is dry with appealing layers of tree fruits and hazelnut flavours. It has surprising power.” – 93/100 Bob Campbell MW

“An enticing fragrant bouquet with scents fo lightly spiced white fleshed tree fruits. On the palate a dry wine with a core of white fleshed fruits from pears to nectarines, apples and quince. The spice layer continues with a white pepper quality backed up by acidity and quartz-like mineral flavours. Delicious, refreshing and ready. best drinking from 2023 through 2027+.” – 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS