You know how they say diamonds are formed under extreme pressure? Well, the screw was certainly being turned on the 2025 vintage. The most devastating frost seen in 20 years settled into our main 32ha site at Parkburn, despite all our best efforts, leaving blackened shoots and a big clean-up in its wake.
All the Parkburn Chardonnay and Riesling were wiped out; however, we managed to salvage 70% of the Pinot crop, and as the season progressed it turned out having a lower yield was an advantage in the cool summer of 24-25, with the classic wine analogy see-saw of quality/quantity very evident as we picked some truly beautiful, concentrated, and characterful fruit. Gibbston, of course, and namely our Dick Bunton Vineyard, performed at the very top level, as we have come to expect from that site up on the Back Road. The Pinot Noir from there makes up a higher proportion of the Rockburn blend, as you may expect, making the 2025 Rockburn Pino Noir a unique and rare beast indeed.
Stolen Kiss Rose fans needn't panic, we made sure there is nearly enough to go around (there is never enough, we know), and the Pinot Gris has soldiered on blissfully unaware of the issues befalling its more glamourous twin. And the more curious among you will be pleased to know the Amber and Fume Blanc are well ensconced and looking extremely expressive, we are looking forward to their maturation over the next year.
So, there's not as much wine in barrel, but it is extremely special and will be highly sought after. A fitting product for my 20th vintage with Rockburn.
-Malcolm Rees-Francis