Akitu is a Central Otago winery with a pure, unyielding focus on the infinite possibilities of Pinot Noir. The A2 Pinot Noir is a drinkable ode to classic Central Otago Pinots, an expressive and generous confluence of succulent fruit that is juicy, refreshing, and moreish. Proudly and confidently fruit driven, this is a deep, rich, and concentrated wine that couldn’t be from anywhere else. It is made with a blend of whole bunch and berry then aged in 9% new French oak.
Intensity, an immediacy and engaging bouquet with a red fruit and savoury core, some wild dry herb, red apple skin, cherry and intense minerality. The oak message is distinctive yet mild with a salted cashew nut and spice combination. On the palate - tense, youthful, firm, fruity, savoury and dry. All the flavours suggested on the nose come alive on the palate, but this wine also needs time to integrate more to find its true balance. Firm tannins and medium+ acidity offer a strong foundation. A lovely wine with medium-minus weight, but lovely intensity and flavour.
93 points, CamDouglasMS.com (July 2020)
Grown at high altitude at Mt Barker, in the Wanaka sub-region, the 2018 vintage was designed as a 'highly drinkable wine of unthinkable quality'. Matured in French oak casks, it is bright ruby, attractively scented red, with strong, ripe, cherryish, spicy, nutty flavours, fresh acidity, and loads of drink-young charm.
4.5 stars, Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines
Bright red colour with purple tints. Complex spice, dried-herb and dark cherry aromas. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced. This is a Central Otago pinot with finesse. Lovely.
95 points, The Real Review (November 2020)
Taut, high-energy pinot noir with red cherry, violet, red rose and mixed spice flavours. Bone-dry wine with firm, fine tannins and an appealing aroma. Lovely purity. It deserves to be aerated to emphasise the wine's perfume. Should develop well.
93 points, The Real Review (February 2021)
Central Otago, located at the southern end of the South Island of New Zealand, is the world’s most southerly wine region. In a short amount of time, the area has established itself as a world-class region for Pinot Noir. The picturesque region is surrounded by mountains ensuring a cool semi-continental climate that experiences a large diurnal range contributing to the creation of intensely concentrated wines with perfume, and complexity. Central Otago’s vineyard area is divided into six distinct sub regions each with their own climate and wine style. Best known for producing intensely Fruity medium to full bodied Pinot Noir, Central Otago’s cool climate also produces outstanding Riesling as well as superb bottle-fermented Sparkling wines.
Akitu
In the Maori tongue, Akitu means ‘the summit’. In more ways than one, it’s the perfect summation of this winery. Perched high and surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Central Otago, it’s makes peak New World Pinot Noir. Akitu is a family owned vineyard set 380 metres above sea level. Only the very best of the grape harvest contribute to the single vineyard wines of Akitu.
There is great beauty in simplicity, and the finest details are the most important. This is something that owner and grower Andrew Donaldson and winemaker PJ Charteris (renowned show judge and former Brokenwood Chief Winemaker) of Akitu understand. Their focus is on Pinot, and Pinot only, from single vineyard plots. As they see it, the possibilities of the Pinot Noir grape are infinite.
