BIG, RICH & ROUND! ...is the best way to sum up this Pinot. Fans of Russian River Valley Pinots will appreciate this offering. The nose is deep and seductive with sweet brown sugar, sweet cherry tobacco & warm spices. The palate is full, round and plush - it has a real creaminess. The finish is long and smooth. Would I purchase it again? You bet!

The 2011 Akarua Pinot Noir, sourced from 14 year old vines grown in Central Otago that was then aged for 10 months in 30% new French Oak barriques, has lifted aromas of cranberry, subtle smoke, clove and barnyard on the nose and cranberry and pomegranate on the palate. It is a light to medium bodied, extra-dry/dry, fruity wine; with fresh acidity, refined tannins and a long finish. Sip this wine on-its-own; drink 2014-2018 (screw cap enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91-92 pts – recommended for its quality. Tasted in May/14 at 'Tasted during New Zealand in a glass tasting' http://grapeselections.com/new-zealand-fair-2014/.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy