NZ
Australia
The Orchard block in Rapaura is planted with Alsatian Pinot Blanc.
Fermented predominantly in stainless steel with 25% in one‑year‑old French puncheons, then rested on lees.
Aromas of stone fruit and spice with a supple, textural palate.
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Description
Rock Ferry, founded by Tom Hutchison and Fiona Fenwick, is an organic Marlborough estate focused on wines that reflect site and variety with clarity. The Orchard block supplies Pinot Blanc of fine perfume and natural acidity.
Fruit from the Orchard block was hand-picked, destemmed and divided between vessels for a balanced build of purity and texture. Around 75% was fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatics and drive freshness, while roughly 25% went to near-neutral French oak puncheons for gentle oxygenation and mid-palate shape. The wine remained on lees for an extended period with minimal stirring, integrating texture while keeping the line taut.
The 2018 release is quietly complex and precise. Peach and apricot sit alongside pear and citrus zest, with subtle baking spice and almond-meal notes from time on lees. The palate is smooth and rounded without heaviness, a fine phenolic thread adding definition. Vibrant acidity and a light mineral finish carry the flavours long. A poised Marlborough Pinot Blanc that marries clarity with depth, drinking well now and over the next few years.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Food Pairings:
Cheese
Fish
Shellfish
Description
Rock Ferry, founded by Tom Hutchison and Fiona Fenwick, is an organic Marlborough estate focused on wines that reflect site and variety with clarity. The Orchard block supplies Pinot Blanc of fine perfume and natural acidity.
Fruit from the Orchard block was hand-picked, destemmed and divided between vessels for a balanced build of purity and texture. Around 75% was fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatics and drive freshness, while roughly 25% went to near-neutral French oak puncheons for gentle oxygenation and mid-palate shape. The wine remained on lees for an extended period with minimal stirring, integrating texture while keeping the line taut.
The 2018 release is quietly complex and precise. Peach and apricot sit alongside pear and citrus zest, with subtle baking spice and almond-meal notes from time on lees. The palate is smooth and rounded without heaviness, a fine phenolic thread adding definition. Vibrant acidity and a light mineral finish carry the flavours long. A poised Marlborough Pinot Blanc that marries clarity with depth, drinking well now and over the next few years.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Food Pairings:
Cheese
Fish
Shellfish
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Cheese
Fish
Shellfish