Rockburn Wines is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone – 20 vintages of winemaking by Malcolm Rees-Francis. To honour the occasion, Rockburn hosted an exclusive retrospective tasting event at The Park Hyatt Auckland, showcasing 16 vintages of its celebrated Pinot Noir range.
The 2025 vintage at Rockburn marks a major milestone for Central Otago winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis, celebrating his 20th vintage at Rockburn Wines. To celebrate this achievement, Rockburn hosted a special 20th vintage retrospective tasting at Park Hyatt Auckland on 29 July, gathering media, trade and pinot noir enthusiasts to mark the occasion.
The tasting traced the evolution of Malcolm’s winemaking across two decades, highlighting the elegance, longevity, and site expression that have become hallmarks of Rockburn’s style. The tasting spanned 16 wines over four flights, each telling a story of site, vintage, and Malcolm’s winemaking evolution:
Rockburn Estate Pinot Noir (2006, 2010, 2015, 2023)
The Barrels – Parkburn Vineyard (Eight Barrels 2006, Twelve Barrels 2009, Eleven Barrels 2019 & Eleven Barrels 2023)
The Barrels – Gibbston Vineyard (Seven Barrels 2016, Six Barrels 2017, Eight Barrels 2019 & Seven Barrels 2023)
The Art Pinot Noir (2010, 2016, 2019, 2022)
“It’s rare that we host a full retrospective tasting like this – it’s been many years since our last,” said winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis. To pour 16 vintages side-by-side, all under screw cap and all drinking exceptionally well, was a proud and humbling moment.”
Tim Severne, Rockburn General Manager, praised the longevity and character of the wines: “Rockburn Pinot Noirs are built to age. The first wine we tasted was the 2006 Rockburn Pinot Noir – it was fresh, still held beautiful acidity, and will age for many, many years to come. A true testament to great Central Otago Pinot Noir.”
Over two decades, Rockburn has built an international reputation for producing elegant, expressive, and terroir-driven Pinot Noir. The consistency of awards and accolades speaks volumes to Malcolm’s deep understanding of vineyard, climate, and his craft.
About Rockburn Wines
Rockburn takes its name from the rugged, rock-strewn and burn-scarred landscapes of Central Otago, New Zealand. With two estate vineyards, one on the picturesque Gibbston Back Road and the other in the heart of Parkburn, Pisa. Rockburn grows its vines in two of Central Otago’s most iconic sub-regions, celebrated for their remarkable diversity and distinctive expression of site.
Their exclusively production winery in Ripponvale, located in the foothills of Cromwell, completes the picture. Rockburn crafts award-winning wines of exceptional quality, with a focus on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Fumé Blanc (Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc), and the everpopular Stolen Kiss Rosé. In addition to its flagship Rockburn range, the winery also produces the successful Crimson Peak and Devil’s Staircase labels, offering distinctive expressions of Central Otago’s remarkable terroir.