Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2023

SAM KIM - WINE ORBIT (95 Points / 5 Stars) - Seductive and inviting, the bouquet shows sweet plum, rich floral, clove and toasted nut aromas, followed by a silky-smooth palate offering finely layered mouthfeel combined with plush texture and grainy tannins. It's supple and flavoursome with sensual complexity. At its best: now to 2032. $48.00. www.rockburn.co.nz. April 2023.

CANDICE CHOW, RAYMOND CHAN WINE REVIEWS (94 Points / 5 Stars) - Moderately deep crimson, slight on the rim. The nose is soft with sweet fruit aromas of cherry and plum, underlying dark herb, floral and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, black cherry and plum aromas are savoury, melded with liquorice, rose, thyme, vanilla and cinnamon. The fruit is sweet with savoury, herbaceous complexity. Silky and supple tannins lightly dusted the mouthfeel, smooth flowing with balanced, ripe acidity. This elegant Pinot Noir with lush fruit and herbaceous details is presented on a soft, supple, approachable palate. Match with lamb shabu shabu and venison carpaccio over the next 5+ years. Fruit from Parkburn 85% and Gibbston 15%, fermented in 7-tonne fermenters, 1-4 days maceration, fermented over 1 week, followed by another 10-14 days fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak, 33% new oak, 18% 1-year-old, balance in 2-3-year-old, 13.5% alc. May 2023

CAMERON DOUGLAS MS (94 Points / Excellent) - Complex, soft, caressing bouquet, varietal and new, sweet, ripe red fleshed fruits and gentle layers of wood spice. Plum and cherry, raspberry flesh and baking spices. There’s no mistaking this wine has pinosity and charm. Equally delightful on the palate with core flavours that mirror the bouquet, an abundance if fine polished tannins and backbone of acidity for freshness and longevity. wood flavours and structural attributes need more time to integrate, this wine will reward with more complexity and character if given the time. Well made with a lengthy finish, packed with pinosity and style. Best drinking from late 2024 or early 2025 through 2030+.

YVONNE LORKIN (4 1/2 Stars) - Winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis has selected fruit from their Parkburn and Gibbston Valley Back Road vineyards to star in this, one of New Zealands most consistent and reliably tasty pinot noirs. The nose of the 2022 shows classic cherry, black tea and raspberry jus notes on the nose and palate. A seam of smoky spices and sandy tannins stitch together a cloak of blueberry and cocoa characters. Nicely made and a wine list classic.