2015 Akitu "A2" Pinot Noir Central Otago (White Label)

Light ruby-red colour with some depth and slight purple hues, paler edged. The nose is fresh and elegant with fragrant aromas of red cherry fruit entwined with fresh thyme herbs and delicate notes of whole bunch stalk elements. Medium-full bodied, the palate is lively and fresh with brisk acidity enlivening the fruit flavours of red cherries and red florals. The fruit has a degree of sweetness and lusciousness. Notes of fresh herbs and whole cluster stalk nuances add detail, and the palate us underlined by light, fine-grained tannin extraction. Some alcoholic power carries the wine to a light, nuanced finish of red cherries and florals. This is a fresh and lively, red cherry-fruited Pinot Noir with subtle floral, herb and stalk nuances and light, supple tannins. Serve with salmon and tuna, and poultry dishes over the next 4 years. 61% Abel clone with 39% clone 5, the fruit fermented to 13.84% alc. with 31% whole bunches, the wine aged 10 months in 13% new French oak.

The balanced, clean 2015 A2 from Akitu is a skillful blend from across their Wanaka estate. This is the kind of Pinot Noir that has the lift and refreshment for many different kinds of food, but is easy and delicious enough to have on its own. I love the dark fruit and the new leather flavors in this perfect example of Central Otago Pinot!