Akitu A1 & A2 Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016
Andrew Donaldson established the ‘Akitu’ Central Otago brand when he planted 40,000 vines over 6 clones in a 12 ha site in Maxwell Road, Mt Barker, near Wanaka, over 2002 and 2003. He released his first vintage with the 2012 wines, and his following releases have received immediate critical acclaim. The vineyard is tended by Steve Blackmore and the wines are made by P.J. Charteris at the nearby Maude facility. Here I have a look at the 2016 ‘A2’ and ‘A1’ Pinot Noirs. 2016 is deemed a very good vintage with “a clean, healthy crop” and wines between the elegance of the 2015s and power of the 2014s. www.akitu.co.nz
Akitu ‘A1’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 ***** (5 stars)
Even ruby-red colour with slight purple hues, lighter on the rim. The nose has very good depth of ripe dark-red cherry and berry fruit with suggestions of plums and liquorice and subtle dark herb elements, unfolding red florals and spices. Medium-full bodied, the palate has rich and lusciously vibrant fruit flavours of dark-red cherry fruit with plums and liquorice, lifted florals and hints of herbs. The fruit forms an elegantly concentrated core with fine-grained tannin structure and integrated acidity, the palate showing drive and linearity. The wine has excellent vitality and carries to a long and sustained finish. This is a rich and elegantly concentrated Pinot Noir with dark cherry fruit with florals and subtle herb notes on a fine-textured palate with drive and line. Match with poultry, pork, beef and lamb dishes over the next 6-7 years. 68% Abel clone, 16% 5, and 16% 777, fermented with 40% whole bunches and the remainder as whole berries to 14.3% alc., the wine aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. 730 dozen made. 18.5/20 Dec 2017 RRP $59.90
Akitu ‘A2’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 **** (4 stars)
Moderately deep, light ruby-red colour with slight purple hues, lighter on the edge. The nose is softly fresh with bright and elegantly expressed aromas of dark-red cherry and berry fruit unfolding vibrant dark-red floral notes along with fresh herbs and subtle whole bunch stalk elements. This is even and with good depth and intensity. Medium-full bodied, the palate has bright and elegantly concentrated flavours of dark-red cherry fruit with lifted red florals and subtle fresh herb and stalk notes. The fruit is supported by finem powdery tannin extraction with soft, lacy acidity. The fruit sweetness is enlivened by the acidity and the wine carries to an elegant, lingering finish. This is an elegant, finely concentrated Pinot Noir with dark-red cherry fruit, with floral and herb notes, on a refreshing palate. Match with poultry, pork and beef dishes over the next 4-5+ years. 32% clone 5, 26% 115, 18% 777, 15% 667 and 9% Abel, fermented with 27% whole bunches and the remainder as whole berries to 14.3% alc., the wine aged 11 months in 12% new French oak. 1,035 dozen made. 18.0/20 Dec 2017 RRP $39.90