Rockburn Pinot Noir 2017 has shone through the crowd, bringing home two gold medals and two trophies at the 2019 New Zealand International Wine Show. With a reputation as one of Central Otago’s most consistent quality Pinot Noirs, Rockburn solidified themselves at the top winning both the Champion Pinot Noir trophy, and the Champion Wine of the Show trophy.
“We’re very pleased with the performance of the 2017 Rockburn Pinot Noir,” said Malcolm Rees-Francis, Rockburn’s winemaker. “The vintage was uniquely challenging with a protracted flowering and huge variability within the grape clusters at vintage. The wine certainly has an interesting story to tell.”
The winning wine is crafted using fruit from Rockburn’s two vineyards in the Gibbston and Parkburn sub-regions of Central Otago.
“With 36 gold medals awarded in the Pinot Noir class this year, Rockburn was in the company of many great producers, and we are delighted to have received the Champion Pinot Noir trophy,” said Rebecca Poynter, Rockburn’s general manager. “21 of the Pinot Noir gold medals were awarded to Central Otago wines, which continues to cement this region as a consistent producer of New Zealand’s premier Pinot Noir. Furthermore, to then be awarded Champion Wine of the Show is a wonderful testament to Rockburn’s winemaking and viticulture and the unrelenting commitment to premium quality.”
Across the entire competition, 291 gold medals were awarded at the show—the largest to date. Organisers commented on this, saying that it reflects the outstanding 2019 vintage in New Zealand.
Malcolm Rees-Francis with awards.
