Country: New Zealand  Region: Central Otago  Vintage: 2018 Category: Pinot Noir  Color:  Red Producer: Akarua The Skeggs family were among the first people to buy and plant vineyard... land in Central Otago in the mid 1990s, so were lucky enough to acquire a superb north facing site in Bannockburn. Planted in 1996, this 50 hectare site has since provided the backbone of the Akarua wines. Due to the short growing season in Central Otago, site selection is one of the key elements in making a great wine, and Akarua have a site that is among the very best. Akarua was re-introduced after many years to Liberty Wines by Tony Jordan, who makes their sparkling wines. Tony built Domaine Chandon in Australia, and is one of the world's leading experts in sparkling wine production. He has been enamoured with the potential for Central Otago to make top quality fizz for quite a while, and is now doing so with Akarua. Vineyards All fruit was sourced from the Akarua Estate vineyard in Central Otago. The vines are 16 years old and grow at 270 metres above sea level with a north-western aspect. Soils are young alluvial, schist based sandy/silt and sandy loams overlaying schist rock. Vintage Information Spring was unusually settled. Mercifully missing were the cold southerly winds often experienced in the Wairarapa, the benign weather delivering flowering conditions that normally reside in a winemaker's dreams. Overall, the growing season was mild with rain at regular intervals resulting in well-formed bunches and healthy canopies coming into the summer months. Vinification The grapes for the Rua were cold soaked for five days before fermentation commenced, and were punched down twice daily and given another six days on the skins post fermentation to provide the wine with the tannic backbone it requires. The wine then spent seven months ageing in 100% French oak barrique, of which 10% was new. The result is a remarkably attractive - and great value - Pinot Noir from Central Otago. Tasting Notes Bright cherry red in the glass. Lifted cherry aromas with floral and violet notes. On the palate, this well-defined Central Otago Pinot Noir exhibits juicy red fruits. Light, soft tannins complement the savoury highlights, finishing long and bright.