Astrolabe Comelybank
Rosé
2021
The Astrolabe Comelybank Vineyard Pinot Rosé is made from pinot noir and pinot gris grapes from a single vineyard in the Waihopai valley. Jeff and Vanessa Hammond grew the grapes for this wine at their vineyard in Marlborough's Southern Valleys wine region.
I did a fast ferment for the rosé, with a high level of grape solids and a warm temperature, to create a complex aroma and reduce the dominance of the varietal fruit. It is savoury, textural and very dry.
What sets my rosé apart is the use of mainly pinot noir fruit. It is a complex wine that is more European in styling. I choose to craft a wine with more body and weight than your usual rosé while also keeping it very dry. This wine is defined by its fruit concentration and complexity.
Simon Waghorn — Winemaker
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR/APPEARANCE
Pale peach blush.
AROMA/BOUQUET
Wild strawberry, rhubarb crème brûlée, bottled stone fruit and old rose petals.
PALATE
Full-bodied, dry wine with round, mouth-filling flavours of strawberry conserve, peach and spice.
AGING POTENTIAL
Best enjoyed when young and fresh but has the potential to age gracefully.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent as an aperitif or with charcuterie, prawn cocktail, grilled halloumi and blistered shishito or Padrón peppers.
ROSÉ SERVING TEMPERATURE
Lightly chilled.
2021 vintage
4.5 STARS
"Already delicious, the 2021 vintage (4.5*) is a blend of Pinot Noir (55 per cent) and Pinot Gris (45 per cent), grown in the Awatere Valley (87 per cent) and at Kekerengu (13 per cent). Pale pink, it is mouthfilling, with vibrant strawberry, peach and spice flavours, showing excellent delicacy and depth, and a smooth, fully dry finish."
-
Michael Cooper
New Zealand Wines: Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide 2022
93 POINTS
"2021s fine vintage is reflected in the bouquet of this rosé with aromas of ripe and concentrated red berries, tropical fruit punch, peaches and grapefruit. It is equally floral with a fine mineral and light lees complexity. On the palate - youthful, fresh, crisp, refreshing and dry. The core flavours reflect the nose with a touch more citrus emphasised with fine fruit tannins, plenty of acidity and persistent finish. Balanced, well made and ready with great drinking from purchase and through 2023." JUL 21
-
Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier
camdouglasms.com
Sustainably certified SWNZ
Vegan