Judge Rock

21-Jul-2020

 

Judge Rock is a boutique vineyard owns and operates by the Jacobson-Chiaroni family. Located in the Southernmost sub-region of Central Otago in Alexandra, planted Pinot Noir and St Laurent. They also produce a Port-style fortified wine from St Laurent which I believe it's unique in NZ.

www.judgerock.co.nz

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Judge Rock The Alibi Organic Blanc de Noir 2019, Central Otago
  Rosé from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 09-Jun-2020

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, evenly light Champagne colour with a pink hue. The nose is generous and upfront with intensely fragrant of cherry blossom, strawberry, red cherry fruit; layered with subtle peppery notes. The palate is bright and elegant, with notes of cherry blossoms, along with the sweet scent of strawberries, red cherries, along with a subtle bouquet of pink peppercorns; dry to taste. Light-bodied, a featured greek yoghurt impression creamy texture carried by mouthwatering acidity enrich by a layer of chalky mineral grip. This is a beautifully crafted dry white made from Pinot Noir, with intense notes of sweet berry fruit and cherry blossom, balanced by fresh acidity on a creamy, mineral palate. Serve with cured coppa and Asia fare over the next 2-3 years. 13% alc. 18/20pts June 2020 RRP$30  
• Judge Rock Innocent Organic Rosé 2019, Central Otago
  Rosé from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 09-Jun-2020

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, light pink-silk colour, even throughout. The nose offers an intensely fragrant scent of roses, cantaloupe melon, strawberries and cherries. The palate is lively with mouthwatering, zesty acidity carries flavours of raspberries, strawberries, roses and warming spices. Medium-light bodied, the zesty acidity is leading the way to a chalky mouthfeel and a dry finish. This is a dry rosé with full flavours of an amalgam of citrus, berries and melon; lively acidity enlivened by chalky textural mouthfeel. Serve with antipasto and salmon over the next 2-3 years. 13.4% alc. 17.5/20pts June 2020 RRP$25
• Judge Rock Pinot Noir 2017, Central Otago
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 09-Jun-2020

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, medium ruby-red with depth, lighter on edge. The nose is pretty with plenty of subtle fragrance of dried floral, an amalgam of herbs; entwined with sweet cherries, dried raspberries; unfolding forest floor and delicate spices. Medium-light bodied, dry to taste, mouthwatering acidity leading the flow; dried raspberries, red cherries entwined with dried herbs and petals along with pepper and cinnamon. The mouthfeel has a drying sensation contributed by a neat and velvety tannin texture. This is an elegant, fragranced Pinot Noir from Alexandra, displaying red fruit, dried petals, herbs and all things nice; enhanced by the development of forest floor and delicate spices on a sustained finish with dry, velvety tannin. 12.6% alc. Match with duck confit and pork over the next 3-5 years. 18/20pts June 2020 RRP $45
• Judge Rock St Laurent 2014, Central Otago
  St Laurent from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 09-Jun-2020

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, medium ruby-red with some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is voluminous and expressive with spiced black cherries and plums, entwined with black liquorice and tea elements, along with the development of savoury, gaminess and cedar notes. Medium-full bodied, the acid brings out some lightness to the black tea and liquorice elements; along with black cherries and plums, game and savoury soy nuances. The wine has good concentration and youth, balanced acidity and supple fine-grained tannin structure. This is an intriguing, St Laurent at peak drinking window, with complex notes of dark-toned fruit, tea and spices, balanced acidity, supple, satiny tannin structure and developments. 12% alc. Match with venison and game over the next 3 years. 18+/20pts June 2020 RRP $35
• Judge Rock The Verdict Port 2018, Central Otago
  Fortified Port Style from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 09-Jun-2020

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, bright, even ruby-red with a purple hue. The nose is modest with fragrances of blackberry jam, cooked plums, prunes and a lifted warmth of Christmas spices notes. The palate is sweet with balanced acidity; an amalgam of fruit nuances, blackberry jam, cooked plums and prunes forms a core of concentration; melded with dried violet, liquorice, spiced raisins and warming Christmas spices. Medium-bodied, the freshness of the acidity flows with good energy, contributed to lightness; the sweetness is not cloying. This is an appealing Ruby Port made from St Laurent, displaying an amalgam of cooked black fruit and charming spices, sweet but not cloying. Match with baked plum pie, blueberry tart and blue cheeses over the next 6-8 years. Fortified to 18% alc, aged 14 months in French oak barriques. 18/20pts June 2020 RRP $55