Rockburn is delighted to unveil their latest Barrel Series. Once again there is a pair; the Rockburn Eleven Barrels Parkburn Pinot Noir 2022, & Rockburn Twelve Barrels Gibbston Pinot Noir 2022. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and reflecting the unique sub-regional terroirs of Central Otago, these wines will captivate Rockburn lovers all over the globe.
Every year, Rockburn winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis and the team fill many hundreds of French oak barrels with Pinot Noir. 10 months of barrel aging are allowed to pass, and then the search for the individual barrels that most eloquently speak of site and season begins. In
a perfect year these selected barrels are further aged for 4-6 months, then bottled and presented to us as a Barrel Series offering.
The 2022 Eleven Barrels Parkburn Vineyard Pinot Noir & the 2022 Twelve Barrels Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir are both single vineyard wines, displaying the power, generosity and grace generated by Rockburn’s Central Otago estate.
Dark and moody, the 2022 Eleven Barrels Parkburn shows notes of black cherry, thyme and ripe plum. These terroir-driven accents sit in contrast with the Twelve Barrels Gibbston, which is dark and concentrated, with notes of bramble fruit, truffle and cedar char with lifted florals. Both wines make for perfect culinary companions, pairing brilliantly with dishes such as duck, lamb or venison.
Rockburn Winemaker, Malcolm Rees-Francis says, “On the palate, both wines reveal true depth and complexity. The plush tannins from our Parkburn site underlie the harmonious balance of ripe fruit, natural acidity, and vibrancy of the Eleven Barrels Pinot. Whereas the savoury elements from our Gibbston fruit enhance the firmer structure, smoky oak, and extraordinary presence of the Twelve Barrels. We are very proud of these twin expressions of single vineyard terroir, which we think are exemplars of Central Otago Pinot Noir.”
He adds, “One of the most exciting aspects of these two expressions is what lies ahead. As youthful wines, with immense aging potential, you can anticipate an intriguing journey over the course of a decade or more. These wines are not just an experience in the moment, but an investment in the future, allowing enthusiasts to witness its gradual maturation and the development of further mystery and nuance.”
Tim Severne, General Manager of Rockburn Wines is excited to see a duo of Rockburn’s Barrels return. “Both wines are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our winemaking team and we are confident that they will captivate palates and leave a lasting impression.”
Rockburn Eleven Barrels Parkburn Pinot Noir 2022 has an ABV of 13.5% and will be NZ$99.00.
Rockburn Twelve Barrels Gibbston Pinot Noir 2022 has an ABV of 14% and will be NZ$99.00.