A1 Pinot Noir, Akitu 2021

A bright ruby colour in the glass with highly polished red fruit on the nose, this is fragrant with strawberry, redcurrant and cola-tinged red cherry. The palate is chalky with superb refinement of both fruit and tannin. Silky and very pure with pristine red fruit and accents of cinnamon, vanilla and white pepper on the edges. Tasting the 2020 next to it shows how these wines improve in bottle and gain savoury, layered depth. Give it 6-12 months to reveal its full personality, at which point this should prove a delicious wine to drink and likely warrant a higher score.

Red cherry dominates the nose deliciously, both juicy flesh and crunchy skin, along with some cherry stone lift. The palate falls into step, providing tension, delicacy with very fine tannins that give way with the gentlest crunch, enticing and appetising, showing the altitude of these Mount Barker vineyards in Wanaka. It is the bright, vivid freshness, however, that defines this in its elegance and full-fruited intensity, with just a touch of heat. The finish reinforces that juicy fruit as well as the beautiful tannin structure that will allow this to age effortlessly. Drink 2026-2036.