Taka K Waipara Pinot Noir 2023

A concentrated and structured pinot noir from the famed stony soils of Waipara, North Canterbury.

$50.00

A concentrated and structured pinot noir from the famed stony soils of Waipara, North Canterbury.

92 Points, The Real Review
Oriental spice, complex and concentrated with layers of fruit, cocoa and earth under a firm structure of both acidity and tannins. Muscular, sinewy and dusty. – Stephen Wong MW

The grapes were sourced from organically-farmed vineyard (not certified, but currently in conversion) on the eastern side of the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. The vineyard has clay rich soil with some limestone influence. Vertical Shoot Positioned Trellis is used to train vines. Harvested grapes were fermented in open top fermenters with wild yeast. After the fermentation, aged in used French oak for about 10 months, racked and blend into stainless steel tank prior to the bottling without any fining or filtration.

While studying Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University, Japanese-born Takahiro Koyama quickly developed a passion for riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay. He quickly secured vintages at the historic Weingut Keller in the Rheinhessen, where the elusive secrets of riesling were taught. Continuing his education, Takahiro travelled to California where he quickly impressed the prodigious Jim Clendenen at Au Bon Climat. Takahiro remained there for two vintages, studying the art of crafting chardonnay and pinot noir. Returning home to New Zealand, Takahiro, always seeking a mentor to guide him, was quickly enamoured with Mountford Estate's CP Lin, a winemaker of considerable renown who, while legally blind, built a reputation for crafting some of the countries best chardonnay and pinot noir.

Now Takahiro is out to pave his own way, founding Taka K in 2023, it is safe to say that these wines carry with them all of the learnings and profound expertise of one of the finest winemakers in New Zealand.

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Once your payment has been approved, we will book your delivery in through Sendle via either Couriers Please or FastWay / Aramex, for next available pickup. Please allow 4-5 days for most metro areas and up to 10 days for more remote places, (although delivery may occur sooner than quoted). Please note that wine will only be delivered to persons over 18 years of age. You will receive an email notification once your order has been dispatched.

It's up for debate between Patagonia and Central Otago as the most southern wine region in the world. Either way, that gives you an idea of just how far south it is. This means short winter days and long summer days, all with dramatic shifts in temperatures often within mere hours. 

Central Otago was pioneered by a handful of producers, in various corners of the region; Rippon in Wanaka, Black Ridge in Earnscleugh/Alexandra,  and Gibbston Valley wines and Chard Farm in Gibbston Valley. The early 80s marked the beginning of commercial winemaking in the region with this dedicated quartet. Taking their advice from local farmers and stone fruit growers. In a blink of an eye in wine terms, Pinot Noir from Central Otago quickly emerged on the world stage with an impressive debut. The region shot to fame in Pinot circles for the quintessential NZ 'pungency', expressive and sometimes enormous flavours. The 2000's marked the coming of age for the region as winemakers and viticulturists began to refine their last 20-30 years experience with this semi desert region. 

The Sub-regions of Central Otago are listed from south to north are; Earnscleugh/Alexandra, Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn, Lowburn, Bendigo, Wanaka and Waitaki (although in North Otago, the region is so small it's best to consider it alongside Central Otago)

Today, Pinot Noir is barely over 5% of New Zealand's wine growing acreage, and most of it is (upwards of 80%) is still planted to Pinot Noir. Riesling is the dark horse here as well as some extra lithe yet lush Chardonnay. Pinot Noir here under the best producers have reached a stage of elegant power, singing natural acidity and perfume yet with that oh so satiating 'Otago' suppleness. 

Our favourite producers from the area are;  Akitu, Alpine Wine Co., Felton Road, Burn Cottage, Mount Edward, Prophets Rock, Rippon and Valli.

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