2024 Rockburn Pinot Gris, Central Otago

Copper-salmon in appearance. Aromas of cantaloupe, mandarin zest, ginger and lemon curd. The palate is medium-bodied with a creamy texture and balanced acidity. Nicely rounded and generous. Drink now. 

91 points James Suckling, March 2025

Rockburn draws fruit from two quite different sites for this wine. The Parkburn vineyard sits on an old alluvial terrace in the Cromwell Basin, adding richness and body. The Gibbston Valley vineyard, higher and cooler in the mountains to the west, contributes freshness and aromatic lift. Hand harvested in the early morning, fermented in small batches in stainless steel on lees at cool temperatures. Fermentation was stopped at a point where flavour balance had been achieved. This left 17 grams of natural residual grape sugar per litre, adding texture and weight rather than overt sweetness.

Pale gold, the nose shows nectarine, ripe peach, green pear and red floral notes with a subtle flinty lift. The palate is finely textured and focused with vibrant acidity keeping everything fresh and persistent to a clean, mouth-watering finish.

Off-dry and generous, and a natural partner for food. We are thinking steamed pork dumplings,, or a Thai green curry, depnding on your preference on the wine's role at at the table. Roast pork with apple and like trimmings would be a classic pair.

Drinks well now, serve well chilled.