Akarua Pinot Noir 2018

Central Otago is New Zealand’s top area for Pinot Noir. Vines have been cultivated here since the 1980s, when engineers working on a nearby dam showed that the area bore similarities to Burgundy. Founder of Akarua is Sir Clifford Skeggs, one of the pioneers of the region. His son, David, runs the estate today. They started with 20 hectares of vines in 1996 and doubled that in 2014, buying land in the Felton Road and Lowburn subregions. Their first Trophy for Pinot Noir was awarded in 2002 and they’ve won at least one each vintage since 2009, sure evidence of their consistency and quality. Pure Pinot Noir fermented partly with wild yeasts and aged in French oak, a third new – all these elements add up to a Grand Cru style red. Will age well.