This is first vintage that Edmond de Rothschild New Zealand have released their top tier Pinot Noir from the 34 hectare vineyard on Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn in Central Otago. A medium-depth ruby burgundy colour in the glass. Intensely aromatic, with a blast of Pinot typosity that echoes the scents of the site – with black cherry, plum and cranberry fruits outlined with dusty sand and earth, thyme, white pepper and toasted spice. As befits a Pinot from here, there is a bracing acidity that highlights fruit and ripeness, but also a firm grip of tannin, anchoring the palate and adding finesse and structure. Youthful and built for cellaring, there is weight and tension in equal parts for now, but the long, spicy finish suggests a bright future. 93pts
Akarua ‘The Siren’ Pinot Noir 2023
