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.

Akurua Pinot Noir 2005:

Probably a bit reduced, but comfortably so. Spicy and appealing. A classy welcome. Palate shows near-perfect composure and structure, with gravelly tannins rolling over cherry-plummed, violetty fruit. Quite classical. A run of rocky, schist-y, mineral flavour on the finish. A class act all round. Delicious. Akarua is in the Bannockburn sub-region, not all that far from Felton Road. Drink: 2006-2014. 93 points.