Akitu A1 Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 ****½ (4½ stars)
Estate-grown by Hawkesbury Estates at Mt Barker, in the Wanaka sub-region, the 2015 vintage is a youthful, bright ruby-hued red, matured for 10 months in French oak barrels (25 per cent new). Fresh and finely textured, it is savoury and supple, with concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing good complexity. Well worth cellaring, it should break into full stride 2018+ $60 (Aust, UK, USA)
Akitu A2 Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 **** (4 stars)
Grown at Mt Barker, in the Wanaka sub-region, the skilfully crafted 2015 vintage is enjoyable from the start. Matured for 10 months in French oak barrels (13 per cent new), it has a scented, savoury bouquet, leading into an elegant wine with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing very good delicacy, complexity and depth. Drink mid-2017+. $40 (Aust, UK, USA)