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
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
Jancis Robinson
$57.99 in mixed 6+ or $64.99 per bottle
John Caro
$59.99 in mixed 6+ or $66.99 per bottle