13-Jan-2015
Tom and Fiona Hutchison have 10 Rock Ferry vintages under their belts and the 2015 harvest will mark the start of the next decade. In that time, they’ve established ‘The Corners’ and ‘Orchard’ vineyards in Marlborough and the ‘Trig Hill’ vineyard in Bendigo, Central Otago, running them to full BioGro organic certification, incorporation biodynamic regimes, and successfully operate one of Marlborough’s best cafes. It is the wine portfolio that is particularly interesting. While winemaker Allan McWilliams has made excellent classical Marlborough and Central Otago regional wines, there are some interesting innovations, including method traditionnelle and ageworthy styles of complexity for the former region, and the inclusion of Tempranillo in the Central Otago site. Rock Ferry is a label to keep an eye on. Here, I review a selection of Marlborough whites from the 2013 and 2011 vintages and two 2012 Central Otago reds. www.rockferry.co.nz