As we head towards harvest and vintage 2026 we had a chance to catch up with Rockburn's Head Winemaker, Malcolm Rees-Francis about the 2026 season and life in general.
What can we expect from the 2026 vintage?
Bright flavours, very fine tension. I prefer a cooler season for the complexity it brings to the wines.
What are you most excited for this harvest?
Really looking forward to a decent crop of Chardonnay to play with.
How has winemaking in Central Otago changed over your 20 vintages at Rockburn?
We make a lot more wine now than I did at the start! Replanting the vineyards over that time has kept everything very fresh and exciting, and no two seasons are the same; still learning. On some aspects I am far looser on the reins, on others much much tighter.
Aside from Pinot Noir, what wines in Central Otago are you particularly excited by right now?
I'm keeping a close eye on "fringe" varieties like Chenin Blanc and Gruner Veltliner, lots of potential there.
You love to cook, what is your current favourite dish to make and why?
Making a tonkotsu ramen with all the toppings from scratch is quite a saga, but immensely satisfying.
Best song, right now?
Right now? One of my sons is figuring out Golden Brown by The Stranglers on the piano at home. It's a notorious ear worm.
Favourite spot in Central Otago?
Sitting under my almond tree.
Photography by @stageboxphotography