Rochford Yarra Valley, Australia

In 1998 Helmut Konecsny and Yvonne Lodico purchased the Rochford property located in the Macedon ranges, a cool climate region 1-hour's drive north of Melbourne, in Victoria. Being located so far south and at an elevation of over 500 metres, this area is perfectly suited to growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir used for sparkling wine production. In 2002, The "Eyton on Yarra" property was purchased along with its concert facilities and restaurant in the nearby Yarra Valley. The fruit from this existing property is used in the "Latitude" line of wines which is labelled as a regional "Victoria" designation. Rochford Wines consistently produce award-winning and acclaimed wines from both the Macedon Ranges and the Yarra Valley.

Pinot Noir 2005 "Latitude" The fruit for this wine is sourced both in the Macedon Ranges and Yarra Valley. Pinot Noir produces fragile berries with a low skin to juice ratio. The result is a wine that is light and elegant, but has the ripe flavours for which Rochford Winery is renowned. The fruit was picked when phenolically ripe and, after fermentation was matured for 14 months in oak of varying ages. Mid cherry red in colour and of brilliant clarity. The nose shows distinct Point Noir fruit being a combination of lifted cherry and spice complexed with hints of forest floor and toasty oak. The palate is rich and soft with fine savoury note. Fine grape tannins support a long clean finish. Pinot Noir 2005 "Macedon Ranges" This 100% Pinot Noir is entirely estate grown, and consists of 4 clones, hand picked over the course of three weeks. The grapes were destemmed, and cold soaked for seven days to extract colour and flavour, while leaving behind any harsh tannins. The primary fermentation took seven days with a pure yeast culture, during which two-thirds of the wine completed its fermentation in new oak. This separate fermentation adds complexity and good oak integration. The remaining third finished its fermentation in steel, and was then transferred to the barriques where the secondary, or malo-lactic fermentation commenced. Once completed, the wine was racked and returned to the oak for a maturation period of 12 months. This wine was not fined, but lightly filtered. Mid plum in colour and brilliant in clarity. The nose shows classic cool climate Pinot Noir fruit of dark cherry and spice overlayed with savoury oak. On the palate the flavours are subtle yet well defined. The palate is rich with a strong savoury note that runs into a velvety finish. There is a good balance of acid and tannin and a great persistence of flavour. "Deep red colour. Spicy cherry and vanillin oak spice aromas are inviting and initially straightforward, opening to offer black tea and musky dried floral qualities. Rich and pliant, with deep cherry preserve and bitter chocolate flavours, silky tannins and a late jolt of tangy minerality. I'd err on the young side with this, and serve it with a grilled steak." 88 points, Int'l Wine Cellar, July/Aug 2008 Visit Rochford Winery All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability. Read the small print for more information.