2024 Rockburn Pinot Noir, Central Otago

A buoyant pinot noir from the strong '24 vintage off Rockburn's Parkburn (85%) and Gibbston Back Road (15%) vineyards. Bright, airy raspberry, redcurrant and red-apple-edged berry fruits with fine spice, a thin layer of biscuity oak, meadow flowers, rose petals, undergrowth and stone. Spacious and stony with a slender palate shape on the finish.

92 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026

Perfumed, pretty aromas of black cherry, raspberry and bramble roses are generously seasoned with cinnamon and mocha notes. The fruit-driven palate is light to mid-weight yet tangy and refreshing with a burst of acidity lifting the ripe berry flavours onto the fine bed of dusty tannins. A satisfying earthy olive and dried thyme complexity linger as hints of plum and prune settle into the finish. Enjoy this well-balanced pinot noir over the coming years as it gains more breadth and layers. Drink to 2032.

91 points Stephen Wong MW for The Real Review, January 2026

Balanced and well-made, showing red cherries, raspberries and sweet spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy finish. Drink now.

91 points Kevin Dacy for James Suckling, March 2026

About this wine 

The grapes for this wine were macerated for 1-4 days before a one week ferment in seven-tonne fermenters with daily plunging, followed by a post-fermentation maceration of 10-14 days. The pressed wine was matured for ten months in French oak barrels of which 30% were new, and the rest of second to fourth use. The final blend is 85% Parkburn and 15% Gibbston sourced fruit.

About this producer

The Rockburn story started in 1991 when Richard Bunton planted a three-hectare vineyard at Lake Hayes near Arrowtown. After significant expansions through sites in Gibbston Valley and Parkburn, the brand name Rockburn finally saw the light of day in 2002. Today, operations are based at the winery in Cromwell, with ex-Felton Road winemaker Malcom Rees-Francis’ focus firmly on Pinot Noir.