Rockburn
The Barrels | Parkburn Pinot Noir 2024 750ml

93 points, Stephen Wong (The Real Review) "Smoky, spicy wood leads the charge, backed by ripe black cherry and black raspberry flavours with a dried fruit edge. Dark in expression with rather firm, late tannins creep up on the finish, this is young and currently tightly held in its shell of structure. There is length under the grip, suggesting good material within. A bigger style of pinot with notable oak influence. Give it a couple of years to soften and unfold"

91 points, James Suckling "Vivid, crunch and precise, showing aromas of raspberries, sweet cherries and arm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, it has a peppery character on the palate and a delivious finish. Drink now. Screw Cap"

NZ Wine Directory "In the glass, shiny transparent ruby-raspberry red in colour, lighter at the rim. In the nose, aromatic & fruit focused with dark cherry & berry aromas, fine dried herb notes. On the palate, big powerful wine, concentrated fruit & savoury flavours reflecting the nose, dark berry & cherry, a little 'green-stalk' savoury note, velvety tannins, a youthful acidity & fine oak influence all beautifully integrated. On the finish, bone dry, weighty, juicy & just fabulous!"

94 points , David Walker Bell "Ten barrels chosen from the range made from the Parkburn Vineyard makes up this year’s selection. A dark burgundy purple colour. Darkness to the bouquet too, with cherry, plum, blackberry and redcurrant fruits. Savoury tones of thyme, prosciutto and pimento also rise from the glass. Crisp acidity heralds a medium-bodied palate that has gorgeous fruit framed by spicy oak. Tension and structure underpin that voluptuousness, with whisper-fine tannins spreading out into a dry, persistent finish.

Joelle Thomson "Parkburn’s sunny terraced vines bring ripe red fruit aromas to this wine and, layered with its wild thyme and savoury tones, it is a Pinot for the long haul. Power and tension are wrapped within a full bodied wine with a complex range of layered flavours from smoky barrel-derived notes through to pure fresh fruit depth. This is a wine for the cellar - think seven to eight years."

4 1/2 Stars, Michael Cooper "Ten barrels were made of the 2024 vintage, estate-grown at Pisa, in the Cromwell Basin.  Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with very good depth of cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, showing excellent complexity and harmony, and refined tannins.  Still youthful, it should break into full stride 2028+."

19/20 pts (95 pts), Candice Chow for Raymond Chan Wine Reviews "Medium ruby-red with a dark purple hue, even colour throughout. The nose is lifted with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, sweet spice and savoury earth. Medium-bodied, aromas of red cherry and blackberry entwined with thyme, powdery spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, black tea and earthy minerals. This has a seductive, silky mouthfeel, made up of fragrant tannins that provide structure, alongside earthy elements, and unfolds rich herb and spice notes. Enlivening acidity delivers a savoury, mineral, long finish. This Pinot Noir is bright and lifted, with an underlying rich, earthy structure. Match with roasted duck and lamb over the next 10 years. Fruit from Pisa, clone 777, 8 days cold soaked, fermented with 30% whole bunches in a 7-tonne fermenter over one week, 10 days post-ferment maceration, aged in barrels for 14 months, 20% new oak. 13.5% alc. 19/20 pts (95 pts) Jun 2026 RRP $110"

97 points (5 starts), Sam Kim/Wine Orbit"This wine presents a beautiful blend of fruit purity and elegant complexity. It features flavours of dark berries, pressed flowers, warm spices, olive, dried herbs, and toasted almonds. The palate is equally impressive, boasting exceptional concentration and a plush mouthfeel, enhanced by a silky texture and intricate tannins. It is harmonious and seamless, culminating in a persistent, velvety finish. At its best: 2028 to 2038. $110.00. www.rockburn.co.nz. May 2026."

BOUQUET - Bright and fruit-driven, our Parkburn Barrels displays notes of black cherry, thyme and boysenberry.

PALATE - With silky tannins and a fine balance of ripe fruit, natural acidity and mineral tension, this wine truly represents the Pisa sub-region and its complex nature

FOOD - Excellent with duck, lamb, or venison, and lots of fun with roast root vegetable dishes.

Expect to see this youthful wine transform and evolve over a decade or more; please be aware a fine deposit may occur as a result of our minimal handling philosophy.