Akitu, Pinot Noir Blanc, Central Otago 2024

The 2024 Pinot Noir Blanc is, as its name suggests, a Blanc de Noir—a rare beast for Central Otago, let alone New Zealand. It's made from 100% Pinot Noir, picked around three weeks before the rest of the Pinot Noir. Though the 2024 derives a rich, lightly creamy palate from its maturation on lees in old oak, it is infused with nervosity and tingles with bright acidity. Creamy apple fruit and nashi pear give way to a light savoury edge on the medium-length finish. Now in its sixth vintage, the 2024 has achieved more balance through the mid-palate in terms of both texture and acid. This would be fabulous with seafood and Japanese food.

• Drinking Window: 2025 - 2029
• Reviewer Name: Rebecca Gibb
• Review Date: February 2026