Gold Medal, London Wine Competition March, 2023.
Reviews / Accolades 95/100 - New World Premium New Zealand Selection 5 Stars - "This very refined, savoury red was estate-grown, principally at Parkburn, in the Cromwell Basin (85%), but also at Gibbston (15%). Matured for 10 months in French oak casks (33% new), it is a bright ruby, highly approachable wine, with deep, youthful cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent complexity and harmony. Best drinking 2025+. $45 (A, UK, US)" - Michael Cooper, Winestate Magazine (July/Aug '22). 5 Stars, 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) - "Deep, medium ruby-red with a purple hue, lighter on edge. The nose is lifted and fragrant, a whiff of herbaceousness and gravelly minerals on the entry, thyme, sage interweave black cherries, plums and a hint of spice. Medium-full bodied, dark cherries, plums entwined with sage and thyme, unfolding clove and black pepper. Fine-grained tannins provide a firm, fine structure and silky mouthfeel, complementing the dark-toned, broody aromatics. Lively acidity lifted and lengthened the palate. This broody Pinot Noir with dark fruit and herb possesses an enticing firm and silky palate. Match with lamb racks and pork stew over the next 5+ years. Fruit from Gibbston (15%), Parkburn (85%) sites, fermented in 7-tonne fermenter to 13% alc over 1-week, further maceration for 10-14 days, aged 10 months in French oak; 33% new, 18% 1-year-old and balance in 2/3-year-old oak." - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (May '22) 95 Points - "Taking fruit from their Parkburn and Gibbston sites, with minimal handling, aiming for what makes up that classic Central Otago Pinot expression. A vibrant nose showing dark cherry, damson, rosehip, thyme and lilac florals. Rich and concentrated dark fruit with a delightful savoury element too – tapenade, espresso bean and mushroom. Tannin is supple, fine and tight, providing an excellent foil to that juicy, lush fruit. Balanced acidity gives drive and the wine flows beautifully across the palate. Warm spices punctuate the long, opulent finish. A treat, once again". - Wine Folio, David Walker Bell (May '22) 94/100 - "From the Parkburn and Gibbston Valley vineyards. Aromatic pinot noir with floral/red rose, ripe plum, black currant, wood smoke, anise and smoky oak flavours. Well made and appealing wine. - The Real Review, Bob Campbell (May '22) 18.5/20 - "Powerful Pinot Noir from the deep south with flavours dried cranberries, intense red cherries and the complexity of dark caramel and spice. This is a full bodied PInot Noir with pronounced tannins balanced by juicy acidity adding length and depth to each sip. An impressive Pinot Noir from a top producer and winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis". - Joelle Thomson (May '22) 95/100, 5 Stars "Gorgeously composed and stylish, showing sweet cherry, green olive, warm mushroom and fragrant spice aromas, it's concentrated on the palate offering excellent fruit purity and silky flow. Wonderfully framed by fine supple tannins, finishing impressively long and refined. At its best: now to 2031. $45.00. www.rockburn.co.nz". - Wine Orbit, Sam Kim (May '22) WINERY NOTE: The 2021 vintage yielded beautiful fruit from each of our sites, which we have simply guided gently through to the bottle with minimal handling. Our “hands-off” approach delivers a pure expression of Central Otago to your glass; an expressive nose and deeply fruited palate displaying vibrant notes of red and black cherry, rich mocha and supple, silky tannins leading into a very long finish. As always this wine shows classic Rockburn elegance, integrity and balance. Enjoy with friends over the next 4-9 years.
