A Central Otago Pinot, tasted with the producer at an event to celebrate winemaker Malcolm Rees-Frances 20th anniversary at the label. A lot of Pinot from the region around this time were either fruit bombs or over-oaked monsters, and this is gratifyingly neither of those. Some age showing in the colour – a ruddy burgundy in the glass. Good secondary notes in the bouquet as well, with a funky, meaty barnyard-ness alongside the cherry, damson, redcurrant, orange peel and rose petal florals. There is also something not unlike ripe peach on the nose as well – complex and intriguing. A solid spine of tannin and acidity persists in this near 20-year old, with the elements well-integrated and balanced. Savoury tones of mushroom and thyme suit the style. An elongated, dry finish is seriously long. 95pts
Rockburn ‘Eight Barrels’ Pinot Noir 2006
