A loveable rogue: Medium-bodied with warm, soft and round tannins cherry & strawberry fruit are abundant, underpinned by vanilla and spicy oak.

The Akarua vineyard is a unique site, measuring 52 hectares, 34.5 of which planted with vines. The estate is tucked into the foothills of the mountains rising above Kawarua River upstream of Lack Dunstan, in the midst of a breathtaking landscape. Located in Bannockburn in the Central Otago region, the vineyard occupies three west-facing terraces and enjoys intense sun all year round. This outstanding terroir lends remarkable character to the Pinot Noir in a reflection of the spectacular mountains surrounding the estate. Floral and spicy, it has a nose of raspberries and blackcurrant, while the pallet derives of black cherry.

Classic Central Otago aromatics of ripe cherries, raspberries and wild thyme. The palate is full of primary fruits and finishes with smooth tannins and oak sweetness.

A medium bodied wine, with ripe tannins and acidity which testify his capability to age. It develops very delicate aromas and a long lasting finish.

A full fragrant nose of sun-baked raspberry, red rose, anise and dark cherry meld with delicate savoury notes of dried porcini and fresh herbs. The palate is a balance of power and freshness, with flavours of fresh red cherry carrying through to the finish. Complex yet ethereal.

Dark fruit and smoky aromas leading to a medium-bodied palate of black cherry compote, and ripe plum joined by savoury spices and vanilla.

Elegant and expressive aromas with remarkable touches of fresh strawberries and traces of raspberries. At the end some soft hints of rose petals appear that are complemented with delicate French oak barrel flavours like cedar and tobacco. The palate is elegant with a correct presence of tannins and the barrel notes are well integrated.

With grapes from the world's leading pinot noir region making a guest appearance, Church Road's award winning winemaker, Chris Scott, has hand crafted an exceptional wine that combines elegance and undeniable presence.

The Devil's Staircase takes the willing down into the realm of decadence and bacchanalian delights. Here everything is pleasure, spiced up with a dash of naughtiness. The unrelenting environment tortures the vines whose twisted limbs produce wine worthy of absolution. These wines are sinfully succulent and devilishly good.

Pinot Noir; notoriously difficult to cultivate, but with luck, love & perfect conditions, she will reward you with the performance of a life time - a minx & a devil in disguise, a Fickle Mistress. Central Otago's cool climate consistently produces exceptional red fruit flavours of cherry, raspberry and redcurrant, but with concentration and length to match. This wine is layered with black and red berry fruits, complemented by blossoming aromas of dark plum.

Gold River wines are handpicked, handcrafted expressions of Central Otago that offer immediate drinking pleasure. Handpicked, small batch fermented, and barrel aged in French oak, the Gold River Pinot Noir offers exceptional quality and regionality at a good price.