Taka K Waipara Pinot Noir 2023

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 country's 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.