""Darn tasty."- Wine Advocate Akitu means summit in Maori, a rather fitting name for a winery right at the pinnacle of Pinot Noir and also one located at 380 metres above sea level. Awarded 96 points and a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge 2018, Akitu's A2 Pinot Noir takes Central Otago to new heights. Especially in magnum format and a wooden case. Andrew Donaldson started planting the 12 hectares of vines for Akitu in the early 2000s. The first vintage came ten years later to enormous critical acclaim. His dedicated team of Steve Blackmore and PJ Charteris were clearly on top form in the 2016 vintage. Deemed a very good year, wine critic Jamie Goode announced that:"The 2016 releases, are spectacular."A2 is crafted using five different clones, which adds incredible complexity. Cooled by the waters of Lake Tanaka, the grapes retain a wonderful vibrancy and acidity even after ageing in French oak. Pouring this wine, you'll discover red cherry, wild strawberry, tangy raspberry, cranberry, rhubarb, rose, lavender and cinnamon. It's hard to argue with Wine Advocate, it really is darn tasty. Don't worry too much about the perfect food and wine match. This is such a wonderful and versatile red, Pinot Noir lovers will want to drink it with anything and everything. Pinot for breakfast?£5.07 per 100.00ml