Our 2000 Pinot Noir received an outstanding accolade as the only Pinot Noir gold medal awarded at the 2002 International Wine and Spirit Competition, held in London. Also that year Akarua Pinot Noir 2001 was judged as a gold medal winner at the prestigious Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Then the unprecedented accolade of being placed first and second in Cuisine magazine with our two styles of Pinot Noir, 2002 vintage. The flagship wine, Akarua 2002 Pinot Noir was noted for its density and flavour concentration and scored 96 from a maximum 100 points. In addition, Akarua's second label "The Gullies" 2002 Pinot Noir impressed the panel and scored an impressive 94 points.

To cap off a brilliant year Akarua 2002 Pinot Noir won the Pinot Noir Trophy and subsequently judged 2003 Champion Wine of the Show at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. This is a supreme accolade with 'Holy Grail' status and the Akarua team is incredibly proud of this achievement.

This consistency in quality continues - Akarua Pinot Noir was again been awarded a gold medal for the third consecutive year with its 2003 vintage, later rated 92 points by the U.S. magazine Wine Spectator and again for 2004. New Zealand's Bob Campbell (MW) assessed the 2005 Gullies Pinot Noir at 94 points followed by selection for 'Best of the Best' in F & B magazine.

Long live the evolution!

	Recommended by Cuisine Magazine Akarua wines have warranted frequent mention by this prestigious publication.
	Air New Zealand Wine Awards Akarua Pinot Noir has been awarded a gold medal for 3 consecutive years

Campbell Mattinson, Editor and Founder of 'The Wine Front' journal (Australia)

Akurua The Gullies Pinot Noir 2005:

Woodsmoke and sawdust, both of which have come from oak, but matched to lots of spicy fruit – a welcome balance, full of promise. Oooh yes, the palate is a champion too. Meaty, powerful, structured, terrific. A mouthfilling, expansive, violetty wine, packed with stones and tannin – and going places. This is the lower priced Akarua label but it’s taken a big step up with this release – indeed it no longer comes from the gullies of the vineyard, and is now sourced from the prime areas. Made by one of the region’s young guns: Jacqueline Kemp. Drink: 2009-2015. 92 points.

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