Not just about the land in which the grapes are grown, but about the history of the infamous people who founded the land.

Nineteen crimes turned convicts into colonists. Upon conviction British rogues guilty of a least one of the 19 crimes were sentenced to live in Australia, rather than death. As pioneers in a frontier penal colony, they forged a new country and new lives, brick by brick. This wine celebrates the rules they broke and the culture they built.

Not just about the land in which the grapes are grown, but about the history of the infamous people who founded the land.

Nineteen crimes turned convicts into colonists. Upon conviction British rogues guilty of a least one of the 19 crimes were sentenced to live in Australia, rather than death. As pioneers in a frontier penal colony, they forged a new country and new lives, brick by brick. This wine celebrates the rules they broke and the culture they built.

The wine exhibits vibrant dark berry aromas with hints of spice and smoke. Fermenting with wild yeasts has created a wine with weight and complexity with abundant flavours of dark cherry and plum. Complemented with fine supple tannins, hints of pepper and spice and a savory oak finish. This wine is drinking well now, it will develop more complexity if carefully cellared for up to three or four years.

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.

Akarua's second release of Pinot Rouge, an early bottling in a traditional 'nouveau' style. It is terrific to see so clearly, the flavours of two of their oldest and most favourite vineyards without the overlay of extended oak ageing and complex winemaking. They like to enjoy it at cellar temp - about 12C shows off the juiciness of this wine perfectly. Perfect as a slightly chilled summer red.

Flattering on the nose with an appealing palette of fruity aromas-blackcurrant, redcurrant, plum. Fleshy and balance on the palate with oaked notes and a pleasing finish.

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.

Medium-full bodied with dark red plums, chocolate, boysenberry and savoury tones. French oak imparts spice and vanilla. Soft supple tannins and a lingering finish.

Bright and perfumed aromatics. A plush and red-fruited palate. Soft, approachable fine-grained tannin. A hint of spice adds complexity. A precise acid back-bone gives good length.

Attractive fruit richness with seductive savoury undertones. Lifted aromas of dark fruit, matured game, cedar and spice lead to a beautifully weighted palate that is smooth and generous. A very appealing red showing lovely harmony and maturity.