2016 Akitu ‘A1’Pinot Noir
Blending and Tasting Notes

Clones: 68% Abel, 16% UCD 5, 16% Dijon 777
Treatment: 40% whole bunch, balance whole berry, 25% new French oak
Volume: 6,610 litres - 730 12b cases
Technical: Alcohol 14.6%, TA 5.3g/l, pH 3.62
Harvest Dates: 22nd, 26th, 28th & 29th April 2016
Bottling Date: 28th March 2017

Moderately intense ruby colour with a garnet hue.
Spiced cherry primary fruit and dusty dried herb aromas build gently on the nose. The subtle aromatics in time give way to dark plum fruit characters with a background of brown spices and leafy complexity. Considerable depth and dimension is revealed that belies the intensity of bouquet. Brooding aromatics driven by a precise fruit focus. The dark juicy plum drives a generous entry to the palate and that spiced cherry adds great focus and length of flavour. Cinnamon and subtle anise characters are woven into the tactile structure of the wine. The tannin backbone compliments juicy acidity giving a velvety yet lively texture and a mouthwatering finish. Tension with restraint. This wine is a sleeper and those who can keep their hands off it in the short term should be well rewarded after 4 or so years in the Cellar - but full maturity in 6 to 10 years may just deliver greatness.

Food – Al Brown’s Slow Cooked Spiced Brisket, from his book “Stoked”, pp.198.

https://akitu.wine/collections/library-release/products/a1