Taka K Bedford Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Taka K Wines, under the careful hand of acclaimed winemaker Takahiro Koyama, have earned a stellar reputation for crafting distinctive, terroir-focused Pinot Noirs from North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley. Since establishing his label, Taka has emphasised precision, minimal intervention, and a profound respect for vineyard individuality. The Bedford Estate Pinot Noir 2022 beautifully captures these ideals, offering elegance, aromatic complexity, and refined balance that superbly reflects Waipara’s distinctive cool-climate charm.

The Bedford Estate vineyard features limestone-rich, clay-loam soils interspersed with gravels, providing an ideal foundation for Pinot Noir vines to produce grapes characterised by expressive aromatics, vibrant acidity, and structured yet delicate tannins. Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested, gently fermented using indigenous yeasts, and matured thoughtfully in carefully selected French oak barrels (around 20% new oak), ensuring complexity, depth, and subtlety without compromising freshness or varietal purity.

Appearance: Bright, luminous ruby-red colour with youthful garnet highlights, demonstrating remarkable clarity and vibrancy. Medium viscosity gently coats the glass, forming slow-moving, refined legs indicative of elegance and structure.

Aroma: Alluring, expressive bouquet of fresh cherries, raspberries, and delicate cranberry notes, harmoniously interwoven with floral nuances of violets and rose petals. Layers of gentle spice, earthy forest floor, and subtle minerality add further complexity and depth.

Taste: Elegantly structured palate featuring vibrant, precise flavours of ripe cherry, raspberry, and subtle cranberry, complemented by refined notes of spice, subtle herbal nuances, and gentle earthy undertones. Polished tannins and vibrant acidity provide impeccable balance, texture, and finesse.

Finish: Persistent, refined, and graceful finish, echoing ripe red fruits, delicate spice, subtle floral notes, and a refreshing mineral edge. The wine’s polished tannins recede gracefully, leaving a lingering impression of sophistication and elegance.

Food Pairing: Excellent paired with grilled duck breast accompanied by cherry gastrique and wild mushroom risotto, or pan-seared salmon served with roasted fennel and a citrus beurre blanc.