Grape

Pinot Noir

Its Origins

Akitu is the wine of Hawkesbury Estates Limited. We are a family owned vineyard producing exclusively Pinot noir in a variety of clones on an exceptional land holding in the Upper Clutha basin of Central Otago. We planted our 12ha vineyard in 2002/2003 and it produces approx. 60 tonnes of fruit each vintage - the best of which goes to make akitu. Our inaugural 2012 vintage was met with a highly flattering response which has now been complemented with a Gold Medal in the International Wine Challenge for our Akitu A1.

What The Critics Say

95/100 Decanter, Andy Howard MW

"A challenging year, but this 40% wholebunch (the rest being whole berries) Pinot Noir has loads of Far-Eastern spice to complement rich, dark black fruits. Fantastic acidity keeps everything in perfect harmony. Plenty of ageing potential, clearly showing the direction in which top Otago Pinot Noirs are headed." Drink 2020 - 2027

94/100 Cameron Douglas MS

"A richly scented bouquet of Pinot Noir with aromas of dark berries, wood spices, wild thyme and a core of savoury complexity. Plum and dark cherry, black currant and wild flowers, stony, rocky outcrop minerality. Youthful, tense , firm and focused textures on the palate with flavours that reflect the nose - dark berries then wood spices, some wild thyme and undergrowth moments. Youthful tannins and acid line. Lengthy finish, dry, well made, youthful." Drink 2021 - 2029

93/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Joe Czerwinski

"Akita's 2017 Pinot Noir A1 starts off with intoxicating scents of roses, dried spices and tea-like nuance. A blend of four clones (mainly Abel and 777, with smaller portions of 5 and 115), it offers rich, deep, plummy fruit on the medium to full-bodied palate yet remains silky and airy in feel, ending with hints of dried herbs on the long, elegant finish. The 40% whole clusters and 20% new French oak are both enjoyable components in this complex, appealing wine." Drink 2019 - 2025