Akarua Pinot Noir 2021

Deep and bright ruby. Complex nose of red plums, black cherries and vintage roses; with earthy notes and garrigue - brambles, wild thyme, heather, rosehip and crushed herbs. The palate structure is rich and concentrated, the acids are juicy yet fine and the supple tannins enhance a long spice-laden finish of star anise, fennel seeds and Szechuan pepper.

Region: Central Otago Sub Region: Bannockburn VINEYARDS Cairnmuir Vineyard 80% Kawarau, Clutha, Southview, Cairnmuir Rise Clones: 5,6,13, 115; varying rootstocks Aspect: north/north west sloping elevated glacial terrace Row orientation: east/west Soil: weakly structured light alluvial soils overlaying schist rock Elevation: 270m Vine age: 22 years Trellis system & pruning: VSP, spur

Felton Rd Vineyard 20% Kofiua, Kolo Clones: 5,777,667,115,113; varying rootstocks Aspect: north west Row orientation: east/west Soil: Young alluvial, schist based sandy silt and loams overlaying schist rock Elevation: 240m Vine age: 22 years Trellis system & pruning: VSP, spur

VINIFICATION Whole bunch fermentation: 11% Pre-ferment maceration: 5 days Yeast: 50% wild Fermentation heat: Peaked at 31°C Punch-downs: Twice daily Post fermentation maceration: 6 days Oak treatment: 11 months in 29% new French barriques, medium-plus toast, mostly Alliers & Vosges forests

Carefully hand harvested grapes were batch fermented. Mostly destemmed with two batches with a small portion of whole cluster component. Fermented on skins for around three weeks. The resulting wine was gently pressed to French oak barrels for maturation. Aging: French Oak Barrels. 20% new Aging Duration: Nine months.