Rockburn
The Barrels | Gibbston Pinot Noir 2024 750ml

97 points (5 starts), Sam Kim/Wine Orbit "Stylish and seductive, offering aromas of dark plum, sweet cherry, thyme, warm mushroom, game, and nutmeg. The palate is wonderfully balanced, featuring a silky mouthfeel and a rich, fleshy texture. The tannins are fine and beautifully integrated, making the wine harmonious and persistent, with a splendidly structured finish. From the Gibbston Valley. At its best: 2028 to 2038. $110.00. www.rockburn.co.nz. May 2026."

95 points, Stephen Wong (The Real Review) "Ripe, complex and savoury, this has dried berry, sumac, spice, flint and porcini packed onto a tangy palate with grainy tannins and persistent salted plum flavours. Already expressive and layered, this has an exotic expression with spice bazaar notes on the long finish which are accessible now but will no doubt continue to evolve in bottle"

93 points, Dave Brooks (James Halliday Wine Companion) "Pinot noir from the Dick Bunton vineyard in Gibbston. Mid-ruby in the glass with characters of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and red plum fruit with hints of fine spice, ruby-red grapefruit, riverstone, crushed berbs and leaf litter. Bisvuity oak flows in with a bit more volume on the palate. The fruit shows a lovely purity and tension, with the mineral-rich acidity and fine, silty tannins providing just the right amount of structure as the wine trails off. "

NZ Wine Directory  "In the glass, translucent ruby-garnet in colour lighter at the rim. In the nose, inviting aromas of fragrant florals then summer berries, savoury earth & spice follow. On the palate, red plum, raspberry & strawberry fruit flavours, savoury / mushroom / gamey notes & baking spice. It's a lighter bodied wine & just 11% abv, fine chalky tannins, a fresh acidity & subtle savoury & earth elements, all adding interest, depth & complexity. Nicely integrated, long elegant memorable finish. Gorgeous!" ​​​​​​​

Joelle Thomson "The Barrels Bunton Vineyard Pinot Noir is a striking contrast to its Parkburn sibling. Gibbston is one of the coolest and highest altitudes of Central’s wine regions, both of which bring powerful floral, redcurrant and savoury aromas to this young wine. Delicate and finely poised on the palate now, this wine's power comes on its long fresh finish, which shows Gibbston's haunting purity and finesse. The Barrels Bunton Pinot Noir drinks well now but begs for time in the cellar for up to a decade, which will see it unfold layers of complexity."

4 Stars, Michael Cooper "Eight barrels were made of the 2024 vintage, estate-grown at Gibbston.  Ruby hued, it is a light-bodied red (11% alcohol by volume), with delicate cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing very good complexity, fresh acidity and a tightly structured finish.  A distinctive wine, it is restrained in its youth, but vigorous and savoury, inviting cellaring.  Open 2029+. "

18.5/20 pts (93 pts), Candice Chow for Raymond Chan Wine Reviews "Light ruby-red, lightly hazy, even colour throughout. This has an emollient bouquet, with aromas of red cherry, mulberry, hibiscus flower, and a fine amalgam of spices. Light-bodied, aromas of red cherry, mulberry and pomegranate entwined with hibiscus and cinnamon. Gentle spices layer, broadening mouthfeel and contributing complexity. Pliant tannins flow like satin with lacy acidity, carrying a gentle, delicate, spiced finish. Match with pork or quail over the next 6+ years. Fruit from Ginnston, clone 6, 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, 75% new oak. 11% alc. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jun 2026 RRP $110"​​​​​​​

BOUQUET - Spice and florals, nuanced oak.

PALATE - Summer berries and fine tannins on a firm acid frame. Delicate yet powerful.

FOOD - Lamb and mushroom dishes, classically matched with duck, exceptional with seasonal root vegetables.

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..