…dexterous complexity

Akarua was first established in 1996, but since October 2022 has been under the new ownership and guidance of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Group (who are based in Bordeaux - France). They purchased 34.5 hectares of these pioneering vineyards in Central Otago. Most of the vines purchased are on Cairnmuir Road, with a reputation as the holy grail of Bannockburn. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains and amongst breathtaking scenery, the sites offer ideal conditions which are suited to producing quality Pinot Noir grapes.
Akarua has only recently released ‘The Siren’ Pinot Noir 2023, which is a special cuvée in their collection of quality Central Otago wines. This Pinot Noir is chosen and crafted from premium hand-picked fruit, coming off their vines on Cairnmuir Road. This is a single site wine that goes through a meticulously barrel tasting process and blending to express the unique terroir from which it comes. Previous vintages of ‘The Siren’ Pinot Noir have been wines ideal for patient cellaring, not to say you can’t open and share in its youth. But if you can, well worth ageing for 7-8 years and sometimes a little longer depending upon your palate.
This 2023 cuvée can stand proud and will add to the legacy of ‘The Siren’ label and previous cuvée’s that have been released. The final selection comes from only the 10 best barrels, with this 2023 vintage having spent 14 months in a mix of aged French oak, blended, unfined, followed by 9 months development in bottle before release. *(A total of 500 cases made).

★ On the inviting nose you have classic dark cherries, red plums, violets, lavender, dried herbs, subtle truffles and a note of tobacco. The palate has a generous varietal landing, showcasing those rich fleshy cherries and a homemade preserve nuance. This wine has a bold confidence and a dexterous complexity. This Central Otago Pinot Noir has an honest level of varietal acidity and fine grainy tannins, the diligent time in oak has given balanced structure and an articulate French vanilla detail. Already revealing a harmonious nature that will continue to develop and will not disappoint on the dismount for the most serious lovers of the ‘Dark Art of Pinot’.

This 2023 Akarua ‘The Siren’ Central Otago Pinot Noir has 13.5% Alc./vol. Classic dry style. If opened in the next 2-5 years, I would respectfully decant of around 35-45 minutes and serve in an appropriate wine glass at 16 - 17°C. • *NZ$110.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 23/2/25)
With mild decanting approachable this coming season: plus, will repay & age nicely for another 7-8 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with slow roast lamb, pork cutlets with a cherry sauce, duck breast, mildly seasoned thin-based pizza’s, truffle & mushroom fettuccini, plus other earthy vegetarian cuisine and pâté on toast - enjoy.