2018 Rock Ferry 'Orchard Vineyard' Pinot Blanc

"An organic, single-vineyard wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, praised for its complex layers of stone fruit, pear, and citrus zest, along with subtle baking spice and mineral notes. It features a textural, smooth palate with fine acidity and phenolic threads, offering both depth and clarity. The wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts, partly in stainless steel and partly in a seasoned French oak puncheon, and has been described as a "poised" and "well-driven" example of the varietal, drinking well from purchase and over the next few years"

“Certified organic, the youthful 2018 vintage is a single-vineyard wine, hand-harvested at Rapaura, in the Wairau Valley. Most of the wine was tank-fermented and lees-aged in tanks; 25 per cent was fermented with indigenous yeasts in a one year-old French oak puncheon and barrel-aged for seven months. Bright, light lemon/green, it is fragrant and fleshy, with rich, vigorous peach, pear and spice flavours, balanced acidity, excellent complexity and a very harmonious, lingering finish. Drink now or cellar.” – Michael Cooper, 5 Stars

“Pinot blanc often gets a bad rap as an innocuous white-wine variety but in this year’s showing (and when crafted with care), it really shines.  Two pinot blancs made the cut – both from the South Island and both under $40.  This one had some beautiful aromatics with citrus, chalk, white pepper and floral notes. Well made and very pretty. A lovely white wine and a perfect match for a warm quiche Lorraine, suggested Hiro Kawahara” – Metro Magazine Top 50 Wines