Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2023
Grapes for the Rockburn Pinot Gris are hand-picked from Rockburn's two vineyard sites in Parkburn and Gibbston Valley. The Parkburn vineyards lie in the middle of Central Otago Block Mountain ranges, on an old, alluvial terrace, covered by a loam topsoil. The Gibbston Valley vineyard lies on the western side of Central Otago in very mountainous, once glaciated country. Following a philosophy of minimal intervention, the juice from each parcel was fermented in stainless steel on its gross lees at temperatures of 15°C to retain aromatics and finesse. Winemaker Malcolm Rees Francis stopped fermentation at each parcel's perfect level of sugar and acidity balance. The wine was then racked and blended. Ripe peach, nectarine and Nashi pear aromas are backed by a hint of spice and a streak of minerality. The vibrantly fruity off-dry palate is layered over a rich and creamy texture. A firm backbone of acidity leads into very long, zesty finish.
