The Rocky Knoll is a small block at Amisfield Vineyard whose soil differs greatly from the areas around it. It consists mainly of glacial deposits left by the retreat of the giant Wanaka glacier some some tens of thousands of years ago. Planted with 100% Dijon clones, from the first vintage in 2003 we realised that this parcel was something unique.
Following traditional Burgundian techniques the winemaking has been deliberately hands off to allow the unique terroir to fully express itself. We are immensely proud to produce the Rocky Knoll (RKV) Reserve Pinot Noir as it epitomises our ‘Grown Not Made’ philosophy.
When to drink
This wine will continue to develop from now until 2014.
Food Matching
RKV will match to many bigger flavours. Try it with the best of Central Otago fare, dishes like BBQ'd venison with roasted figs and gorgonzola, now that will impress the dinner guests!
94 Points Jamie Goode
Selected parcels and then a barrel selection were employed to make this high-end Pinot. It stays in barrel a lot longer and may not be produced every vintage. Lovely stuff with amazing structure, spicy minerality and some subtle earthy notes, as well as ripe cherry fruit. Elegant and complex with lovely grainy spiciness under the sweet but restrained fruit.
Jamie Goode, Wineanorak
Regional Wines & Spirits
Deep ruby red in colour, with just the lightest garnet hue appearing, this has a wonderful bouquet redolent of dark red fruits, cherries, plums and Asian spices that is still quite primary in expression. This has immense concentration allied to finesse, the tannins considerable, but extremely refined and therefore very supple. The sweetness and freshness of the fruit is the feature, but it is in no way over the top. It is perfect in proportion. This is a sensational wine that should develop superbly over the next decade.
Raymond Chan, Regional Wines & Spirits August 2010
5 Stars Yvonne Lorkin
The benefits of a bit of bottle age are blatantly obvious here as the wine is powerfully perfumed with something resembling cinnamon and clove sprinkled over a slice of rich black forest gateau. To drink, it Is cleverly complex, showing a mélange of berries, cherries and spiced plum combined with cocoa and warming, aromatic oak, finishing with a lovely cleansing slipperiness. Pricey, but perfection costs.
Yvonne Lorkin, Bay of Plenty Times March 2010
4 1/2 Stars Charmian Smith
From a block with distinctive rocky soils. This is a powerful wine, full in the mouth, attractive and intriguing. It has a firm structure, intensity and long aftertaste, and an impeccable balance. Cellaring will allow it to develop its full potential.
Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 25 June 2008
5 Stars Michael Cooper
From Rocky Knoll, a stony terrace within the Amisfield Vineyard at Lowburn, in Central Otago, the debut 2006 vintage was picked at over 26 brix and matured for 15 months in French oak barriques (44 per cent new). Deep ruby, it's a strikingly rich, complex and harmonious wine, notably concentrated, sweet-fruited and savoury, with supple, silky tannins giving instant appeal.
Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2010
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