2023 Rockburn Seven Barrels Pinot Noir, Gibbston Valley

Offering stunning fruit purity with elegant complexity, the wine shows sweet cherry, dried herb, game, floral, and nutmeg aromas on the nose, followed by a finely flowing palate displaying silky texture backed by layers of fine-grained tannins. Wonderfully composed and styled with a sustained, structured finish. The perfume and sophistication of the sub-region shine prominently here. At its best: 2026 to 2040. $99.00

98 points Sam Kim wineorbit.co.nz

Perfumed, layered nose, Burgundian floral, savoury, mineral nuances. Fresh, bright and pretty. Already expressive. Concentrated yet open with fine chalky tannins and soft, flowing red fruit. An elegant, silky style with lots of length. This will age by virtue of its balance rather than power or structure 17 Nov 2024 Drink 2024–2036

95 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

Rockburn Seven Barrels Pinot Noir from Gibbston Valley is a powerful yet beautifully poised expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir at its most refined. Crafted by winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis, this limited-release wine showcases the very best barrels from Rockburn’s top vineyard parcels — a small selection that demonstrates the complexity and elegance achievable in the region’s cool alpine climate. Each vintage, only seven barrels are chosen, making it one of the most exclusive and collectible wines in the Rockburn portfolio.

The fruit is sourced primarily from the Gibbston subregion, the coolest and most elevated part of Central Otago, known for producing Pinot Noir of great perfume and purity. Low yields, meticulous canopy management, and careful hand harvesting ensure fruit of exceptional quality. The grapes are fermented with wild yeasts in small open fermenters, with a proportion of whole bunches included for aromatic lift and fine tannin structure. After gentle pressing, the wine matures for around 15 months in French oak barriques, about half of them new, adding subtle spice and creamy texture.

In the glass it shows a deep garnet colour. The aroma is captivating and layered, with notes of dark cherry, black plum and wild raspberry alongside violet, thyme, graphite and fine oak spice. On the palate it is silky and concentrated, showing ripe red and dark fruit interwoven with savoury earth, mineral and gentle smokiness. The tannins are finely grained, the acidity bright, and the finish long, graceful and precise — a hallmark of Gibbston Valley’s cool elegance.

Rockburn Seven Barrels Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with duck breast, venison, lamb with herbs, or mushroom-based dishes. It also complements truffle risotto, roast quail or aged cheeses. While immediately impressive for its polish and balance, it has the structure and energy to age gracefully for 10 to 15 years, developing further depth and savoury complexity.