Rochford Estate Pinot Noir 2023

The 2023 Estate Pinot Noir from Rochford is a vibrant, mineral-driven expression of cool-climate Yarra Valley fruit, crafted from a tapestry of seven clones sourced from four of Rochford’s estate vineyards—Gruyere, Coldstream, Seville, and Woori Yallock. A cool, low-yielding season has delivered red-fruited purity, tension and texture that speak clearly of vintage and place.

Fruit was 100% hand-picked and carefully sorted. Fermentation was conducted with whole berries and a modest 10% whole bunch inclusion, contributing spice and lift. After 14 days on skins, the wine was pressed to French oak (10% new), where it underwent malolactic fermentation on lees and matured for 10 months before bottling. Minimal handling and a light touch throughout have allowed the wine to retain freshness, fine tannins and varietal detail.

The nose opens with rose petals, wild strawberry, red plum and earth-dusted herbs. The palate is sleek, energetic and aromatic, brimming with red cherry, raspberry, cranberry and dried rosemary, underpinned by forest floor nuance and a burr of mineral tannin. Juicy yet poised, this is classic, crowd-pleasing Yarra Pinot with clarity and charm.

Small-Batch Detail

• Vineyards: Gruyere, Coldstream, Seville, Woori Yallock

• Clones: 7 Pinot Noir clones including MV6, 114, 115

• Fermentation: 90% destemmed whole berries, 10% whole bunch

• Time on Skins: 14 days

• Oak Maturation: 10 months in French oak (10% new)

• Alcohol: 13.5%

• Bottled: Unfined | Vegan friendly

• Cellaring: Drink now–2028

Critical Acclaim
⭐ 95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion 2025
“Brightly fruited and bursting with red cherry and raspberries… a glowing light cherry red… delicious now and over the next three to five years. ‘Pinot for the people.’ I agree.” – Philip Rich

FinePinot Note
Bright, balanced and immediately drinkable, this is a quintessential modern Yarra Pinot—approachable yet authentic. A wine to enjoy mid-week or with friends, yet detailed enough for the serious Pinot lover. Ideal with duck breast, pork loin or mushroom risotto.

95 points - Halliday Wine Companion
“A blend of fruit from vineyards in Coldstream, Gruyere, Seville and Woori Yallock. 10% whole bunches and 10% new oak. A glowing, light cherry red. Brightly fruited and bursting with red cherry and raspberries. An attractive touch of whole-bunch derived spice, too. The palate is flavour packed and juicy. Delicious now and over the next three to five years. "Pinot for the people" according to winemaker Kaspar Hermann. I agree."