Broadly speaking, both grapes originate in Burgundy; Gamay a rather uncommon variety here in comparison to Pinot Noir with but a handful of Central producers.
The Pinot Noirs today include some fascinating single site examples from Rockburn that looked remarkably different on the day, while the Loop Road comes from the sub-region of Bendigo.
2021 Dicey Bannockburn Gamay
Rating Excellent to outstanding
Simply bursting with
juicy dark fruits,
herbs, smoke, stony/
lead pencil notes,
more fragrant with
aeration. Plum and
dark berries, lovely
richness to the fruit
matched by
zestiness which
gives a tingly, slightly
crunchy feel to the
palate. A splendid
combo of intensity
and balance, I didn’t
want to spit this out.
If Central can do this
with Gamay, bring it
on.
2021 Loop Road Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Very good to excellent
Delicacy, florality, red
fruits, dried
strawberry. Attractive
red fruits in the mouth,
a touch of raspberry
and lavender with a
chalky feel to the
tannins. Light to
medium-bodied.
Changes considerably
in the glass, darker
fruits and savoury
nuances, bright and
crunchy/crisp with
real vibrancy and
appealing chewiness
on the close. A bit of a
slow burner.
2021 Rockburn The Art Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Smoke and lead pencil,
raspberry accents,
ripely fruited,
charcuterie with time.
Ripe fruits again in the
mouth, savoury
undercurrents, spices
appearing, fine grainy
tannins adding an
attractive chewy
quality, wisps of bonfire
embers on the close.
Initially felt medium-
bodied but grew, as did
the tannins, adding a
bittersweet nuance. All
knees and elbows,
needs time.
2021 Rockburn The Chosen Parkburn Vineyard 777 Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent
Engaging nose, darker
fruits, a touch brooding,
savoury and earthy
nuances, flecks of hard
candy later. The fruit fills
the medium-bodied
frame, fine grippy
tannins showing their
intent, as savoury and
wild herb notes swell.
Develops a lovely
dryness and warm
richness to the palate.
Pulls into its shell a little
over time, just being a
bit coy for now.
2021 Rockburn The Chosen Parkburn Vineyard Hillside Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent to outstanding
Powerfully expressed,
florality, lavender and
thyme, deep rich fruit,
savoury elements with
air. Lovely richness yet
retaining a lightness of
touch, depth and
elegance. Fruit
sweetness, raspberry
acid drops neatly
balanced by bright
acidity and very fine
tannins, a lip-smacking
quality drawing you in.
Effortless, nothing out of
place, complex, super
drinking.
2021 Rockburn Parkburn Vineyard Nine Barrels Pinot Noir
Rating Outstanding
Darker, brooding nose,
savoury, gamy nuances,
hints of herb, the fruit
perfectly integrated,
earthy aspects with air.
Delightful juiciness, ripe
fruit but not oversweet,
depth balance and
integration, yet potential
too. Lovely mouthfeel,
flavours hang on the long
close, serious wine.
Effortless, superb
balance, deceptively
rich, drinkability yet
potential.
