Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012
This dark, dense wine immediately seduces with the generosity and exuberance of its dark-fruit flavours. Violets and berries set the tone, with a seasoning of dried herbs. Behind that pretty face is real depth and structure, with fine tannins and acidity giving it focus and length. “The precision and grace of the structure frame the fruit beautifully,” noted John Belsham. Have it with a classic duck confit, with pickled red cabbage on the side.
Top Wine Profile
Less is More
Rockburn winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis’ first vintage at the winery was 2006, and his pinot of that year made the number-two spot in the Cuisine tasting. Since then however, despite several Top 10 appearances, the top spot has proved elusive. Rees-Francis has achieved it this year by doing far less, he says, than he did during his early years. “Over time I’ve become more confident in my own style. They say the bravest thing is to do nothing, and that suits my laissez-faire style. I’ve done less and less to the pinots as the years have gone by – there have been fewer punchdowns, less oak used, less sulphur added, fewer inoculated ferments… less of everything. This all lets the wine talk more clearly about where it comes from.” And the fruit for our top wine comes from Rockburn’s two vineyards – one in Parkburn on the Wanaka Road and the other in the Gibbston Valley. It’s a great mix, says Rees-Francis. “It was a warmer year, and the Gibbston fruit adds some rusticity and mystery to the lush dark easy fruit we get from Parkburn.”
- Pinot Noir - Red wine
- Central Otago - New Zealand
- NZ $40 - $45
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- Cellar: 5 year(s) top 10
- View the full NZ Pinot Noir 2014 tasting results