Akarua, The Siren Pinot Noir 2023 – Central Otago

This single-site wine is meticulously tasted and blended to showcase its Cairnmuir Road terroir. A taut, youthful Pinot Noir brimming with red berries, dark plums, and fresh raspberry on the nose, underscored by oak spice and wood smoke.

On the palate, it delivers texture, drive, and spice, with savoury tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish marked by pepper and earth. Cellar-worthy from 2027 to 2035+. (This tasting note is from Cameron Douglas MS - see review below)

Douglas Cameron MS: 95 Points –Outstanding -  “Taut, new, full of texture and flavours of red berries and barrel flavours framed by an abundance of polished tannins and acidity. Delicious, fresh and dry, no mistaking the weight and spice, savoury echoes and lick of pepper.” (9/2/25)

IWSC Silver Medal 91 Points "Brooding dark berry aromas with soft fruit and refreshing acidity, accentuated by hints of vanilla. The finish is ethereal, showcasing a lingering intensity that invites further exploration. " (2025)

Pair with crispy duck, wild mushroom risotto, or rosemary-roasted lamb. For cheese, try aged gouda or creamy brie.

Why NZ Pinot Noir is So Good →

Cheese Pairing with Pinot Noir →

In Māori, ‘Akarua’ means two vines—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, first planted in 1996 by Sir Clifford Skeggs. Today, Pinot Noir dominates the estate, with small parcels of Pinot Gris and Riesling completing the lineup.

Now under the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage group, Akarua's ambition is clear: to create New Zealand’s finest single-estate Pinot Noir, combining local talent with global expertise to craft elegant, world-class cuvées.