Rockburn
Rockburn (previously Hay's Lake) takes its name from the rugged, rock strewn, burn seared landscape of central otago. The region is reknown for its stunning scenery of rugged mountains and picturesqe lakes.
Nestled on the 45th parallel Rockburn shares a climate that is similar to Burgundy the great Pinot Noir producing region of the world. Their vineyards are bounded on the west by mountains on whose seaward slopes are rain forests, which receive 5000mm of rain a year. To the east is a barren, moon-like landscape that receives less than 25mm of rain a year. Situated between these extremes are Rockburn's vineyards that produce not only Pinot Noir of stunning quality (gold medal 2000 New Zealand Wine Society Royal Easter Wine Show, gold medal 2002 bragato awards), but also medal winning Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
The wines are made at their winery in Cromwell by master wine maker, Rudi Bauer. Rudi is recognised as one of New Zealand's leading Pinot Noir makers. He works his magic on the top quality fruit that Rockburn viticulturist, Greg Hay, delivers to the winery.
All Rockburn wines exhibit strong varietal characteristics, highlighted in the white varieties by crisp acids, which are typical of the region. It has also become apparent that like Burgundy there are distinct 'appellations' within Central Otago. One has only to taste a Lake Hayes/Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir to experience its perfumed nose, typically violets, and earthy, forest floor sensations on the palate. Compare this with a Lowburn/Bannockburn Pinot Noir with its darker colour and fuller, sweeter fruit. For this reason to fully exploit the potential of the region it is a distinct advantage to have vineyards in different 'appellations'.

Rockburn Wines has invested in three distinct sub regions within Central Otago with a total land area of 45 hectares, 90% of which is now fully developed. When all the sites are in full production they will have 25,000 cases of wine for sale annually.

Pinot Noir is Rockburn's major variety by volume and represents 59% of their current plantings. Other varieties include Chardonnay (14%) Riesling (11%) and Pinot Gris (8%), Sauvignon Blanc (6%) and Gewurztraminer (2%).
Contact
Phone: +64 3 445 0555
Fax: +64 3 445 0555
Postal
Address: 		PO Box 181, Cromwell
Delivery
Address: 		Cnr Gair Ave & McNulty Rd, Cromwell
Staff
Owner: Richard Bunton
Manager: Dick Bunton
Marketing: Catherine Badrak
Winemaker: Malcolm Francis
Producer Details
Opening Hours: Labour Weekend to Easter 7 days per week From 10.00 am to 5.00pm Closed New Zealand Public Holidays. Winter Monday – Friday From 11.00 am to 4.00pm Outside hours by appointment.
Vineyards: 44
Winery Tours: Yes
Newsletter: Yes - More >>
Wineclub: No
Sales
Cellar Door: Yes
Internet: Yes
Direct Mail: Yes
Via Retailers: Yes
Wines from this Producer
Rockburn Chardonnay | 2003
Rockburn Gewurztraminer | 2006 | 2003
Rockburn Hays Lake Chardonnay | 2001 | 1999
Rockburn Hays Lake Pinot Gris | 2001
Rockburn Hays Lake Pinot Noir | 2001 | 2000
Rockburn Hays Lake Sauvignon Blanc | 2001 | 2000
Rockburn Parkburn Riesling | 2006 | 2006
Rockburn Pinot Gris | 2006 | 2002
Rockburn Pinot Noir | 2006 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
Rockburn Riesling | 2003 | 2002
Rockburn Sauvignon Blanc | 2007 | 2003 | 2002
Rockburn Unoaked Chardonnay | 2006