Rockburn Pinot Noir Devils Staircase, Central Otago

Producer Note

Rockburn started as the hobby of Richard Bunton in 1991. He planted a few hectares of vineyard in the then pretty much unknown area of Central Otago. In 2005, Malcolm Francis the winemaker, arrived from Felton Road where his skills immediately reaped the rewards when he won the Elite Gold Medal. This is a very exciting new arrival on the world Pinot Noir stage.

Vintage

2019 experienced some frosty weather during the winter. The vines experienced difficult flowering but despite this yields were good. A warm summer encouraged ripening, delivering ripe flavours with relatively low Brix levels. 2019 experienced some frosty weather during the winter. The vines experienced difficult flowering but despite this yields were good. A warm summer encouraged ripening, delivering ripe flavours with relatively low Brix levels.

Vineyard

The Devil's Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Rockburn takes its name from the rugged, rock-strewn, burn scarred landscape of Central Otago. Located on the 45th parallel, Rockburn shares a climate that is similar to Burgundy. These Central Otago vineyards are surrounded by mountains to the west, whose seaward slopes are rainforest, receiving 5,000mm of rain per annum. To the east is a barren, moon-like landscape that receives less than 25mm or rain a year. Situated between these extremes, lie the Rockburn vineyards, which are producing Pinot Noir of stunning quality.

Winemaking

The grapes were carefully selected and fermented with selected yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. It spent 20 days on the skins, which imparted colour, flavour and structure. Partial malolactic fermentation took place resulting in a softer texture. The wine was matured in tank without any oak influence in order to retain the pure fruit flavours. Vinified following a philosophy of minimal intervention.

Tasting Note

This Pinot Noir bursts with flavours of black plums, blueberries and bramble fruit. Rounded and fruity on the palate, with supple tannins and a very moreish finish. This is devilishly good.

Serving Suggestion

Perfect with barbequed meat or hot smoked salmon.

Grape

Pinot Noir 100%