2023 Rockburn Amber

RRP $42.00

Rockburn Amber is an alternate take on what Pinot Gris can mean as an expression of terroir; an "orange wine" style, we have fermented the grapes on their skins, precisely as we do with Pinot Noir.

Leave your pre-conceptions behind and this wine will open your eyes.

A single vineyard wine, the Amber displays the complex, textural characters and dusky peach colour generated by the tannins present in the grape skins of Pinot Gris.

Fermented in a small open-top vat and hand-plunged daily, aromatics and phenols are gently extracted over three weeks. Malo-lactic fermentation occurs naturally in the spring; after a year's maturation in old, neutral oak barrels the wine is bottled without fining or filtration.

Expect complex layers of rose, grapefruit, and peach notes in harmony with broad mouthfeel, gathered by a citrus peel tension. Best enjoyed very lightly chilled with food, we anticipate cellaring potential over the next six years.

- PDF Tasting Note

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Awards & Reviews

93/100 - Stephen Wong MW - "Cloudy amber appearance. Reticent nose which slowly unfurls to reveal deep-pitched aromas of red apple, potpourri, earth and woody spice. Full bodied and concentrated with oloroso-like nutty, raisined, caramel flavours on the palate. The noticeably firm tannins are coated in creamy richness to soften their drying impact. Very long and potentially complex. The overall impression is one of decadence, reminiscent of freshly baked apple pie or a spicy fruit cake. An accomplished amber wine, it will age confidently Drink - 2024–2030".

5 Stars (94/100) Candice Chow (Raymond Chow Wine Reviews) - "Moderately deep, ruby-red with a purple core, lighter on the rim. The nose is elegant and gentle, with aromas of black cherry, plum, mocha and fine spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of black cherry and plum are lush, melded with mocha, black pepper and nutmeg. The fruit is ripe and packed with flavour, elevated by lively acidity. Smooth, supple tannins provide a structured framework and leading a sustained finish. A classic Central Otago Pinot Noir with juicy fruit and fine tannins. Match with lamb and duck over the next 6 years. Fruit from Parkburn 85% and Gibbston Back Road 15%, fermented to 13.5% alc, aged 10 months in French oak, 30% new oak, 22% 1-year-old and balance 2-3 year-old. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jul 2023"