Rockburn fans are raising a glass to the return of Rockburn’s beloved Chardonnay, after a nine-year hiatus. The latest expression, Rockburn Chardonnay 2022, has bottled up the very best of Central Otago Chardonnay to offer a bright, delicate and elegant wine; the perfect pour as we head into the cooler months.
A captivating Chardonnay delivering a bouquet of citrus, ripe peach, hazelnut and subtle baking spice. On the palate, full texture and fine tension, showcasing flavours of lemon meringue, butterscotch and a delicate minerality. Lovely balance and youthful acidity, the Rockburn Chardonnay is optimally paired with a chicken risotto or seafood.
Rockburn Winemaker, Malcolm Rees-Francis has crafted a Chardonnay that is elegant and bright with fruit. “It is very special that we are finally able to welcome Chardonnay back to our offering after a nine-year hiatus. Chardonnay has always been in the DNA of Rockburn and we are thrilled that the 2022 vintage has provided us with a delicious wine that we are now able to welcome back to our stable.”
In 1999, Rockburn established its 24 hectare Parkburn Vineyard, planting a single hectare of Chardonnay (Clones 6, 15 & 1). Come 2013, a decision was made in to replant and move that block to a higher vantage following Rockburn’s replant programme. Following, in 2018 the Rockburn team added twelve generous rows of Chardonnay (Clone 95), adding to the collection of vines that came to produce the newly released Rockburn Chardonnay 2022.
Tim Severne, General Manager of Rockburn Wines adds, “Chardonnay is going to be the white variety Central Otago is known for around the world. Our first in awhile this year’s vintage isn’t one to miss and we are excited to hear how people enjoy it.” Rockburn Chardonnay 2022 is now available for purchase on rockburn.co.nz and at select retailers nationwide for RRP:$32.00 NZD.
TASTING NOTES
Rockburn Chardonnay leans towards the crisper and lighter end of the spectrum, demanding minimal use of oak.
The nose is pure and subtle with elements of wet stone, lemon zest and ripe peach. The palate is full, textural with fine tension, showing lemon meringue, butterscotch and delicate minerality and a zesty finish.
A perfect complement to roast chicken, risotto, and seafood. Upon release the wine will be bright, delicate and elegant. Easily enjoyed upon bottling (Feb ’23) it will continue to develop and mature well over the next five to seven years.
https://www.rockburn.co.nz/
About Rockburn Wines: Rockburn takes its name from the rugged, rock-strewn, burn-scarred landscape of Central Otago. The boutique producer has two vineyards, one on the Gibbston Back Road in the Gibbston Valley, and the other at Parkburn in the Cromwell Basin with its state-of-the-art winemaking facility based in Ripponvale, just out of Cromwell. Rockburn Stables, Cellar Door and tasting room, is situated at the Gibbston Tavern. It is close to Rockburn’s Gibbston vineyards and Queenstown – New Zealand’s premiere tourism destination. Rockburn not only produces Pinot Noir of stunning quality, but also award-winning Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and Fumé Blanc.