Tasting Reviews and Accolades
2006 Judge Rock Pinot Noir- Five Stars UK Decanter Magazine September 2008
Tasting panel Rosemary George MW, Robin Knapp, Isabelle Legeron, Pierre Mansour, Alessandro Marchesan, Christine Parkinson, Stepthen Skelton MW and Terry Threlfall
Christine Parkinson-" Central Otago shows wonderful power and character when it get it right"
"NZ's Pinot can be the best in the world"
Rosemary George MW on JR 06 "Quite appealing vegetal, spicy nose. Quite full and fleshy, some ripe fruit, textured layers, some depth. A tannic streak. From 2008"
While the words seem understated five stars from Decanter is a great thrill for us and a reward for the hard work in the vineyard and the winemaking of Carol Bunn's Vinpro team.There were 2 Pinots awarded five stars from Central Otago and 7 in total from 154 well known Pinots from throughout NZ.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review of Judge Rock Pinot Noir,
source Wine Advocate Issue #176 April 2008
review by Neal Martin 90
Points 90 to 95: An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short, these are terrific wines.
An understated, leathery nose but with good definition and lift, with touches of rusty nails developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, nice crisp black cherry fruit with redcurrant and a touch of boysenberry. It could do with a little more fruit concentration on the finish, which has a firm, masculine structure. But overall, a well-crafted, almost broody Pinot Noir that should improve in bottle. Tasted January 2008. Drink 2008-2015
Sunday Stars Times, Sunday Magazine 9 March 2008
written by Lorraine Jacobs Cuisine Magazine senior food editor
Judge Rock Pinot Noir 2006 five stars
This elegant wine from a small family vineyard in Alexandra is made by acclaimed winemaker Carol Bunn. Lovely rich cherry and spice flavours that will really enhance and compliment these dishes.
Matched with Ray McVinnie's barbecued lamb patties with walnut and yogurt sauce and deluxe mince on toast
John Hawkesby Next Magazine and National Radio New Zealand Review of Judge Rock
"From three less known producers I have selected Pinot Noir as the ideal match for duck.
Judge Rock - a real beauty, sensuous, violets thyme black cherry mushrooms and soft, great value and a beauty."
Cuisine Magazine: Tasting of 189 New Zealand Pinot Noir
Christmas 2007Steve Smith MW "this is the most exciting tasting I've been involved in. The word I've used more than any other is beautiful,.."
The New Kids on The Block.
Judge Rock 2006 Five Stars, Best Buy
The five star club, the exclusive domain of the more established brands was crashed by three small wineries representing a new generation of excellence.(Tirohana Estate, Bald Hill and Judge Rock)
Judge Rock Civil engineer Paul Jacobson made his first barrel of wine in 1996 and was hooked. Planted in 1998, Judge Rock also involves his wife, Angela Chiaroni, who runs the vineyard, and their three sons. " Our vision is to make elegant sensuous wine" say Paul. Winemaker Carol Bunn fulfilled that criterion. She says Alexandra wines are " more spicy, more elegant more herbal- a different beast from the big fruited Cromwell region"
From a small vineyard in Alexandra, this elegant wine made by Carol Bunn is built around a good core of authentic Pinot Noir flavours of earth, cherry and spice.
thank you Cuisine Magazine
Jo Burzynska, Review Viva NZ Herald
3 October 2007..... I have selected some of the seasons most exciting new releases....to taste the warmer days ahead....
Judge Rock 2006 Pinot Noir
A bright and elegant pinot noir from this small family owned and run Central Otago vineyard.
In this well structured wine, pure and tangy cherry fruit is underpinned by dark layers of mocha and spice and a touch of gaminess.
This presses all the right pinot noir buttons at a very smart price.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Check out these videos of Central Otago Pinot by Gary Vaynerchuk's, star of Wine Library TV for Black Ridge and Amisfield or Three Miners
Miles from "Sideways" eloquently nails pinot and all its complexity:
"It is a hard grape to grow ... it’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early ... it’s not a survivor like cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it’s neglected. No, pinot needs constant care and attention. It can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked-away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, ahhhhh, its flavors are the most haunting and brilliant, thrilling and subtle and ancient on the planet."