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.

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.

Delicate floral aromas pair with rich, dark fruit notes of cherry, boysenberry, and blackberry - followed by just a hint of spiced clove and cinnamon. A rich palate, with ample fine, chalky tannin gives structure and length to this wine, while balanced acidity lends energy and elegance.

Crimson is our selection of fruit from younger parcels of vines from our various vineyards on the Martinborough Terrace. In their youth, vines tend to be more fruit expressive, gaining more complexity with time. Now, Crimson is developing more depth of flavour, with a mix of vines aged from 5 to 20 years.

With dark purple hues, this savoury pinot noir releases lifted aromas of raspberry and dark cherry with hints of iodine and black olive. The palate is full of kirsch cherry and cassis flavours, umami, liquorice and a sprinkling of dried herbs. A focused frame and crunchy tannins contribute to a glossy mouth feel and a slightly peppery finish.

This outstanding pinot noir delivers strong cherry and plum fruit flavours, a velvet structure and spice and savoury complexity.

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.

Beautifully fragrant, this wine is built around a core of bright red and black fruit, overlaid with beautiful floral, spice and fresh thyme notes, with subtle oak in support. On the palate the wine is lithe, fresh and juicy with a gentle finish. An elegant yet energetic Pinot Noir.

Dark on the nose, with appealing aromatics of black cherry and bramble fruit. The palate reveals layers of florals, gentle spice, melding with notes of boysenberry and Doris plum and framed by finely realised, silky tannins and juicy acidity.

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.

Deep purple and fragrant, with red cherry, dark plums, blackberry, violets, leather and spice on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated with dark red fruits and hints of tobacco and coffee. A complex concentrated wine with ample velvety tannins, a lovely mineral acidity and a very long finish.

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.