Rochford Wines

Category: Wine

  • Cabernet, Character, and Cold Nights: A Winter Meditation from Rochford

    Cabernet, Character, and Cold Nights: A Winter Meditation from Rochford

    As the golden leaves fall and woodsmoke curls into the crisp evening air, there’s a quiet luxury that winter brings to the table – a stillness, a slowness, and a longing for depth. In wine, that depth is often found in reds with structure, soul and story – and for us at Rochford, there is no greater expression of these than Cabernet Sauvignon and its kindred cool-climate companions.

    At Rochford, Cabernet is not just a varietal; it’s a voice. And winter is its season to sing.

     

    A Quiet Renaissance in Yarra Valley Cabernet

    For too long, Yarra Valley has been known as Pinot and Chardonnay country. But for those who walk the vineyards, taste the ferments, and feel the texture of the soils, Cabernet Sauvignon is having a quiet renaissance here. When grown in the right pockets, at the right elevation, Cabernet in the Yarra shows restraint, elegance, and precision – the kind of beauty that doesn’t shout, but lingers.

    Our Single Vineyard Isabella’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is perhaps the clearest articulation of that beauty. Sourced from the Briarty Road Vineyard in Gruyere – a site celebrated for its classical structure and aromatics, this wine hums with red cherry, cassis, dried sag

    e, and cigar box spice. Fermented in open wooden vessels, matured in fine French oak, and awarded 96 points by Halliday, it’s a wine of plush tannins and long, vivid memory.

     

    The Left Bank, Reimagined: La Gauche in Three Acts

    Alongside Isabella’s, is a wine that embodies our modern vision for Yarra Valley Cabernet: la Gauche – our Left Bank-inspired blend shaped by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

    In 2023, la Gauche shows its floral side – violets, bay leaf, cherry and olive tapenade – all layered over silky tannins and elegant freshness.

    The 2022 vintage offers darker fruit and deeper complexity: mulberry, chocolate-dipped cherries, cedar and violet perfume, woven together with dusty tannins and a brooding, age-worthy frame.

    And 2021, the most decorated of the three, brings vibrancy and spice, lifted red fruits and a savoury, earthy finish – a vintage that has already claimed three medals, including Gold at the Halliday Cabernet Challenge.

    Together, these wines form a vertical arc, a tasting experience that is as intellectual as it is sensory, inviting you to trace the evolution of site, climate and cellar craft across years.

    For the first time, these three vintages appear together – side by side, bottle by bottle – in a limited release that allows you to taste their lineage in motion. This is not merely a vertical tasting; it is a sensory archive. A chance to trace climate and craft across years, and to experience the nuance that only time, place and patience can yield.

    Released now as part of our winter portfolio, this special collection –Vertical Cadence: Four Yarra Valley Cabernets – includes all three expressions of la Gauche, alongside the distinguished Single Vineyard Isabella’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. Together, they form a rare narrative in red, available only for a brief seasonal window.

    Shop Vertical Cadence – Four Yarra Valley Cabernets | Rochford Wines

     

    Craft, Site, and the Romance of Red

    Of course, Cabernet doesn’t live in isolation. The Yarra Valley is home to a stunning array of reds that echo the same principles of minimal intervention, hand-picked fruit and a deep reverence for site.

    The Estate Foundations in Red 12-bottle collection is one such example – a curated dozen spanning our Syrah, Cabernet Franc, la Gauche and la Droite blends. Each wine speaks to our estate’s diversity, from the spice-laced cool

    -climate Syrah to the graphite finesse of Cabernet Franc. These are not showy wines – they are wines of intellect, of rhythm and restraint, wines that ask you to pay attention. A masterclass in Yarra Valley terroir, this collection is a celebration of site, soil, and season.

    Every wine in this collection is crafted exclusively from fruit grown in Rochford’s estate vineyards – including the iconic home block in Coldstream. Each parcel is hand-picked with precision, fermented in micro-batches, and treated with care to preserve the purity of fruit and amplify complexity. The result is a portfolio of reds that reflect not only a place, but a philosophy: minimal intervention, expressive winemaking, and deep respect for the land.

    These are wines that speak fluently of origin – four unique voices from the vineyard, harmonised into one extraordinary experience. A cellar-worthy snapshot of Rochford’s terroir, vision, and elegance.

    Shop Estate Foundations in Red

    For those seeking warmth without weight, the Three Shades of Rochford Red 6-bottle collection offers a more immediate pleasure: a trio of Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz from our vibrant Rochford Range, crafted with purity, energy and easy winter pairing in mind.

    Expect youthful energy, vivid fruit expression, and a polished yet approachable style from bold Cabernet Sauvignon, supple Merlot and plush Shiraz. With minimal fining and careful oak treatment, these wines deliver pure, confident flavour made for firelit dinners, shared stories, and warm winter evenings. Discover the fresh face of Yarra Valley reds.

    Explore Three Shades of Rochford Red

     

    A Season to Savour – An Invitation

    And for lovers of texture and terroir, the Poetry of Place duo – Isabella’s Portfolio offers balance in its most refined form. These are wines that wear their origin with elegance, each bottle a portrait of the Briarty Road vineyard, in oak and stonefruit, cherry and spice.

    This limited-edition collection offers two singular expressions of site, season, and meticulous craftsmanship. Featuring the poised, age-worthy elegance of Isabella’s Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and her radiant, mineral-laced Chardonnay counterpart, this duo is a study in purity, balance, and finesse.

    Each wine is the result of decades of vineyard exploration – hand-selected from the most exceptional parcels that consistently yield fruit of depth and precision. Wild fermented in small batches, with tailored maceration and maturation in the finest French oak, these wines are crafted to articulate not only their variety, but their exact origin in time and soil.

    This is a pair for the collector or the connoisseur; a perfect duo for fireside contemplation, or an elegant centrepiece for a winter table. Two vineyard voices, one timeless expression of Yarra Valley terroir.

    Shop Poetry of Place – Isabella’s Portfolio

    These are not just wines made available for the season,  they are curated expressions of time and terroir, offered in limited-edition collections that honour the artistry of cool-climate winemaking. More than a moment of indulgence, they are an invitation: to taste with intention, to journey through vintage, to discover the quiet poetry of vineyard and place.

    In each pack lies more than just flavour, there is structure, nuance, and narrative. A chapter of the Yarra Valley’s evolving story. Whether it’s the vibrance of a young Cabernet, the textural purity of single-vineyard Chardonnay, or the depth of a Left Bank-style blend told through three vintages, this is a chance to engage with the layers of craftsmanship that shape every bottle we release.

    In a season that calls for slow meals, candlelit rituals and meaningful pours, let each glass echo provenance, grace, and the quiet power of time well spent.

    This is winter, the Rochford way.

     Explore the Winter Reds Collections

  • The Art of Timing, A Toast to Harvest 2025

    The Art of Timing, A Toast to Harvest 2025

    Equivalent to the Grand Final in winemakers’ stakes, the term “Harvest” inked on the viticulturist’s calendar marks a uniquely vibrant and high-octane time of year.

    With Pinot Noir’s seductive violets and Chardonnay’s honeyed yellow-green hues, the vines are heavy with plump grapes that have newly changed colour and softened, thanks to the metamorphosis that is veraison. 

    Harvest in the Yarra Valley is where the whole region comes alive with the shared excitement of winemaking. It’s the time of year that every winemaker and wine lover alike look forward to. But what actually happens during Harvest, and what makes it such a pivotal (and awe-strikingly photogenic) time in the winegrowers’ process? Let’s take a closer look at uncorking this fascinating and illustrious chapter in the life of a bottle of Rochford wine.

     Our Premier Pinot grapes grown at our Isabella’s vineyard are lovingly hand-picked and ready to be stomped in small-batches.

    The Calm Before the Crush: Vine to Wine

    Harvest season is the great determinant to a wine’s quality. Behind the curtain, the vines are carefully tended throughout the growing season, with each variety yielding its own ideal window for picking. 

    Our 2025 harvest season kicked off last month with our Chardonnay grapes lovingly plucked from their Isabella’s vineyard birthplace. Isabella’s is just one of our three Rochford vineyard sites – each offering a differing taste of the diversity of Yarra soil and microclimates, with our vineyard management centred around balance and sustainability.

    Our unique cool-climate conditions produce elegant, nuanced wines, which also means that a meticulous finesse is required to determine exactly when to harvest. Too early, and the nurtured grapes might lack the sugar content needed for fermentation. Too late, and they could over-ripen, leading to overly jammy flavours. Pinpointing that sweet spot? That’s where the magic happens in fruit purveying.

    Our juicy Chardonnay grapes are picked and ready to be pressed, and fermented.

    Science or Art? The Fruits of Our Labour

    Deciding when to pick the fruit is one of the most critical decisions that is made in the harvest process. In the days leading up to harvest, our Chief Winemaker Kaspar conducts fruit sampling in the vines to determine the opportune time to pick. At this time, the sugar content of the grapes is tested in our laboratory, and measured in Brix. This is a primary factor in several key chemical parameters that are determined to guide when to pick our grapes. 

    When Kaspar decides the moment is right, it’s all hands on deck, as unpredictable weather influencing varying degrees of ripeness plays a critical role in the timing of harvest. We normally begin picking in late February (-this season was particularly extraordinary in its early February kick off, which is not typical at all).

    What ensues is an exciting yet intense time, with our dedicated vineyard team working from dawn till dusk (and sometimes de-stemming, pressing, and fermenting until after midnight, as in our 2025 vintage season).

    The moment of truth: Our Chief Winemaker Kaspar tasting Chardonnay grapes across different parcels of Isabella’s vineyard in the lead up to harvest

    Into the Winery: Pressing and Fermentation

    There’s something special about the meticulous care and the attention to detail that comes with plucking each bunch of grapes by hand. Hand-picking is particularly common for our high-end wines. Each cluster is looked at individually, ensuring that only the ripest, healthiest fruit make it into the winery. Machine harvesting, on the other hand, is a quicker process, usually employed for larger yields, and is no less important.

    In our 2025 harvest setlist, first were the Chardonnay grapes then Pinot, and lastly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Shiraz. Once the grapes are picked, it’s straight into the winery for pressing, where the magic truly unfolds. Certain grapes like Chardonnay and Cabernet undergo “crushing,” but we maintain as many whole berries with the Pinot and Shiraz, as whole berry fermentation retains more freshness and features of pure fruit flavour.

    For our revered white wines, the grapes are often pressed right after picking, separating the juice from the skins to maintain a fresh, crisp profile. Our Rochford Chardonnay grapes are picked, pressed, and straight into the tank to begin fermenting.

    Our Pinot Noir grapes, once picked and de-stemmed, spend time with the skins in fermentation to extract colour, tannins, and those complex, rich and robust flavours that embody our enticing Rochford reds. Our Shiraz and Merlot grape varieties also get de-stemmed and settle into a primary fermentation before getting pressed into another tank, where skins come off. During fermentation, the winemaker is like a conductor, ensuring everything is on track and adjusting the conditions to procure the best result.

    A lesser-known fun fact is that certain small-batch grapes are still stomped by foot. As a traditional practice in ancient winemaking, stomping allows for more refined tannins and better integration of flavours. 

    The Yarra Valley Way:  Why Harvest Here is Unique

    The Yarra Valley’s cool climate – combined with its rich history and terroir – makes it an ideal place for growing wine grapes. The region’s long growing season allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their acidity while developing complex flavours. The result? Wines that are elegant, balanced, and full of complex character that ignite the senses.

    From Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, our rich variety reflects the nuances of the stunning landscape we are uniquely enveloped in. The Valley’s unique combination of soil types, altitude, and its proximity to Melbourne’s moderating coastal influence creates a terroir that is unlike any other in the world of winemaking.

    Harvesting Our Story: More Than Just Grape to Glass

    While harvest is about procuring glorious wine, it’s also about cultivating the story. It’s a time when friends and family gather to celebrate nature’s bounty, where the connection between the land and the people who passionately work with it, is stronger than ever. 

    After all, our wine is an expression of place. From the moment the grapes are picked to when they reach the glass, every bottle of Rochford wine carries with it the essence of the land, the hands that nurtured it, and the passion that went into creating it. 

    For wines that are built to tell the story of place and time, harvest season in our picturesque region culminates as a crucial moment in development. 

    It is during this pivotal time that every detail, from soil to climate, converges to create wines that are not just a product, but a reflection of the season’s journey, in collaboration with exemplary farming and conscientious vineyard management.

    So here’s to harvest, the nuanced cool-climate wines that emerge from it, and the hardworking merlot-stained hands that make it all happen – an ode to the makers, the shakers, the growers, the storytellers. Next time you raise a glass of Rochford wine, give a little toast to the magic of harvest season. Cheers!


  • A Festive Season at Rochford Wines: Christmas Feasts, Thoughtful Gifting & More

    A Festive Season at Rochford Wines: Christmas Feasts, Thoughtful Gifting & More

    When you think of Christmas, what comes to mind? For us, it’s all about quality time with family, unforgettable feasts paired with fine wine, long summer days, and celebrating the year’s achievements.

    From thoughtful gifting to holiday feasts, this is truly our favourite time to create memorable experiences.

    Christmas Feasting at Isabella’s

    The holiday season brings the joy of gathering, and there’s nothing we love more than a full house at Isabella’s Restaurant. Seats are filling fast for our festive set menu on Christmas Day, where guests can indulge in festive favourites like crackling porchetta, maple and clove-glazed turkey breast, and all the classic desserts of the season. Don’t miss out—reserve your table now to secure your spot!

    It’s Party Season

    Looking for the perfect party venue? With two on-site dining options, we can cater to any type of celebration. Isabella’s offers a refined, relaxed ambiance with set menu options and award-winning wines—sure to please any crowd. For a more laid-back vibe, Il Vigneto Pizzeria overlooks the lake, providing the perfect spot to celebrate with a fun Italian feast. Our events team is ready to help tailor something special or contact our restaurant team to reserve a table. Bonbons are always welcome!

    Nothing says an Aussie Christmas quite like a cool-climate wine. We’re proud to offer a variety of choices, from sparkling wines that glimmer in your glass to rich, full-bodied reds. Explore our seasonal specials and promotional packs, perfect for your own table or as gifts.

    Book Isabella’s
    Book Il Vigneto
    See our Corporate options
    Festive Wines for Every Occasion

    Thoughtful Gifts for the Season

    We’ve taken the guesswork out of gifting with our curated holiday hampers, filled with local, high-quality products, elegantly boxed and ready to delight. Hampers can be delivered directly to loved ones through our website.

    For the first time, we’re also offering mini bottles of our signature gins and spirits—the ideal addition to Christmas stockings or as thoughtful table favours. For a truly unique gift, why not share an experience? With a lineup of exciting summer concerts, there’s plenty to look forward to. Visit our website for concert dates and tickets!

    Open All Week

    Our cellar door and Isabella’s Restaurant are open every day, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

  • Rochford Wines’ New Single Vineyard Release

    Rochford Wines’ New Single Vineyard Release

    As the sun sets behind the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, we at Rochford Wines are delighted to introduce our latest single vineyard releases. These wines are more than just bottles on a shelf; they embody our journey, dedication, and the unique character of the Yarra Valley that we proudly call home.

    Each sip reflects the land, the hands that nurtured it, and the passion that drives us to create something truly exceptional.

    We’re privileged to have vineyards in various pockets of the Yarra and Upper Yarra Valley, each contributing its own distinct terroir. Explore the Rochford Wines Map to discover where each wine has been cultivated.

    The Heart of Our Vineyards

    Our single vineyard wines offer a deep dive into the diverse micro-climates of the Yarra Valley, capturing the essence of each specific place and moment in time. From careful vineyard cultivation to the artistry in our winery, every step is taken with a level of care that comes from a true love for what we do.

    The Stories Behind the Wines

    This year, we’re celebrating the distinct personalities of our 2021 and 2022 vintages. The 2021 vintage, with its stable weather and perfect growing conditions, resulted in wines of exceptional quality—particularly our Chardonnays. The 2022 vintage, though more challenging, produced wines of incredible structure and depth, especially our Pinot Noirs. Each wine tells the story of its season, from the vine to your glass.

    Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Dans les Bois’ Chardonnay 2021

    Tasting notes: This Upper Yarra Chardonnay offers scents of white peach, apple pie pastry, cinnamon spice, and orange blossom florals with subtle hints of lit candles. The palate is rich with stone fruit, lemon curd, croissant, juicy pear, and savory lees influence. It finishes with a refreshing squeeze of limey acidity.

    Vineyard: Yarra Junction.

    Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Dans les Bois’ Pinot Noir 2021

    Tasting notes: This Pinot Noir reveals the subtleties of the 2021 vintage, with intriguing latent power. Aromas of wild strawberries, alpine herbs, forest spices, violets, and roses are complemented by a distinctive mineral ‘iron’ note. The palate offers a spread of red berry fruits (boysenberry and red cherries) with old vine fruit tannins. It remains fresh while showing complexity and structure, promising good cellaring potential.

    Vineyard: Yarra Junction.

    Single Vineyard Isabella’s Chardonnay 2021

    Tasting notes: Aromas of river pebble, chamomile, lemon balm, ripe grapefruit skin, and beeswax candle. On the palate, enjoy the density of ripe citrus with white peach, oatmeal, and lively acidity. The phenolic structure adds to the Chardonnay’s complexity.

    Vineyard: Briarty Road.

    Single Vineyard Isabella’s Pinot Noir 2022 (Gold, 97 points Halliday 2025)

    Tasting notes: Aromas of red fruits, cranberry, sweet spices, and cola notes. The palate is rich with darker red fruits such as raspberry and stewed red plum, balanced by acidity. The finish is lengthy and mouth-watering, with sappy fruit tannins and subtle wood notes adding to the wine’s complexity.

    Vineyard: Rochford Winery Vineyard.

    Single Vineyard Isabella’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

    Tasting notes: Scents of red cherries, roses, fresh leather, dried herbs (sage and thyme), cigar box, and cassis. The palate features a mix of red and dark fruits, including red cherry and red plums, with notes of cacao and various spices. The plush tannins allow the lively fruits to linger, indicating a bright future for this wine.

    Vineyard: Briarty Road.

    Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2021

    Tasting notes: This Chardonnay speaks clearly of its Upper Yarra origin, with notes of white florals, citrus blossoms, nougat, and a hint of struck match. On the palate, it’s exotic, with flavors of Tahitian limes, ripe pear, wet stone, cinnamon spices, and a saline acid profile. The wine has a generous palate and finishes with a fresh sparkle.

    Vineyard: Woori Yallock.

    Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Pinot Noir 2021

    Tasting notes: This Pinot shows the subtleties of the 2021 vintage yet remains intriguing in its latent power. Aromas of wild strawberries, alpine herbs, forest spices, violets, and roses are complemented by a distinctive mineral ‘iron’ note. The palate features red berry fruits (boysenberry and red cherries) with old vine fruit tannins, remaining fresh while showing nice complexity and structure.

    Vineyard: Rochford Winery Vineyard.

    A Word from Our Chief Winemaker, Kaspar Hermann

    This year’s release is especially close to our hearts. The 2021 and 2022 vintages reflect our vineyards and the care we put into them. The 2021 vintage yielded wines of great balance, particularly the Chardonnay, while the 2022 vintage, though smaller in yield, produced incredibly structured and concentrated wines, especially the Pinot Noir.

    Experience Rochford Wines

    The Yarra Valley, with its rich soils and diverse landscapes, has long been a haven for wine lovers. Just an hour from Melbourne, it’s a place where you can escape, explore, and indulge in Victoria’s finest. We invite you to visit Rochford Wines, taste our new single vineyard releases, and become a part of our story.

  • Introducing Brian Heslop: A Vineyard Visionary at Rochford Wines

    Introducing Brian Heslop: A Vineyard Visionary at Rochford Wines

    Meet Brian Heslop, a valuable addition to the Rochford Wines family whose journey intertwines passion and dedication. Originally from New Zealand, Brian’s story begins as a Chef in celebrated restaurants across New Zealand and Australia.

    However, Brian’s path shifted towards his love for wine, leading him to the heart of vineyards. Curiosity drove him into the world of winemaking, aligning with his deep connection to nature. His journey led him to premium vineyards like Bell Hill and Pyramid Valley, where he refined his skills and honed his craft, focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

    Beyond the vines, Brian’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity is evident. Embracing organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices, he nurtures eco-friendly vineyards. This aligns seamlessly with Rochford’s harmonious winemaking ethos.

    As Brian takes on his role at Rochford Wines, he brings his expertise to cultivate biodiversity and equilibrium in our vineyards. His dedication ensures our wines are of exceptional quality, reflecting nature’s delicate balance.

    Stay tuned for more insights from Brian as he continues to enhance Rochford’s winemaking journey, rooted in respect for the land and a profound connection to nature.

  • Explore Our Halliday Rated Wines Collection: A Journey into Excellence

    Explore Our Halliday Rated Wines Collection: A Journey into Excellence

    Step into a world of wine excellence as we invite you to explore our meticulously curated Halliday Rated Wines Collection. Rochford Wines proudly showcases its outstanding achievements in the esteemed Halliday Wine Companion ratings, a true testament to the dedication and passion that infuse every drop of our exceptional wines.

    A Legacy of Excellence
    For over three decades, the Halliday Wine Companion has been a revered guide in the Australian wine landscape. James Halliday AM, the revered wine critic, has been the cornerstone of this revered institution. His expertise, coupled with a discerning palate, has consistently highlighted the best that Australian wines have to offer.

    Rochford Wines: An Emblem of Quality
    At Rochford Wines, our pursuit of excellence is a way of life. Our team, led by Chief Winemaker Kasper, embodies the essence of the Yarra Valley and its profound connection to winemaking. With meticulous care and unwavering commitment, we craft wines that embody the spirit of the region, capturing its unique terroir and translating it into a symphony of flavours.

    The Journey of Creation
    These wines are not merely a product; they are a culmination of nurturing and refining. With great anticipation, we await the moment when these fabulous wines are ready for release. It’s a journey that involves every nuance of winemaking, from selecting the finest grapes to employing time-honoured techniques and embracing innovation.

    Unveiling Excellence
    Our Halliday Rated Wines Collection is a celebration of the dedication and craftsmanship that have earned us recognition in the esteemed Halliday Wine Companion. Each wine in this collection reflects the synergy between our winemaking team and the land that sustains us. From the bold and expressive reds to the delicate and nuanced whites, every bottle encapsulates the essence of the Yarra Valley.

    Embark on a Journey of Taste
    As you delve into our Halliday Rated Wines Collection, you’re invited to embark on a journey of taste. Explore the intricacies of flavour, the balance of aromas, and the delight of every sip. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or an enthusiastic explorer of new flavours, our collection promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

    Unveiling Soon
    Stay tuned for the release of our Halliday Rated Wines Collection, slated to grace our cellar doors and online store in the coming months. The anticipation is palpable as we prepare to share these exceptional wines with you, wines that have received accolades from one of Australia’s most revered wine critics.

    At Rochford Wines, we’re not just crafting wines; we’re crafting memories, experiences, and a journey that resonates with every wine lover. Join us on this voyage of taste and discover the excellence that awaits within each bottle.

    Mid 2024 Release (Stay tuned)

    • Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Pinot Noir 2021 – 96 Points
      “From Rochford’s mid-1980s planted block 4, situated at the winery in Coldstream. All clone MV6. A mainly whole berry ferment with 40% whole bunches, maturation in barriques (25% new). A light, bright crimson. Full of boysenberries, raspberries and warm spices such as cinnamon and clove. Seamless and smooth with fine, very persistent tannins which augur well for the future, as this should evolve gracefully.”
    • Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2021 – 96 Points
      “From a single block at Lusatia Park in Woori Yallock. Whole bunched pressed to barriques (30% new); 50% mlf. Stone and orchard fruits together with some delicate spice and marine scents. Even better on the palate. There’s a gentle creaminess yet the wine is tightly coiled with good inner energy. There’s a little orange pith on the long. balanced finish. Good stuff and worth cellaring.”
    • Rochford Single Vineyard Isabella’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – 96 Points
      “All estate fruit from a 1ha, 1992-planted block in Gruyere. On skins for 18 days and pressed to 30% new barriques. A very bright magenta. Redolent of blackcurrants and blackberries with violets, pencil block shavings and a soupçon of liquorice root. Concentrated with firm yet noble cabernet tannins. Very persistent. A class act.”
    • Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Terre’ Chardonnay 2021 – 95 Points
      ‘’From the Swallowfield vineyard in Gembrook. Whole-bunch pressed to seasoned barriques. One-third mlf. A very bright green gold. Cool fruited with aromas of stone fruits and citrus along with a hint of white pepper. Silky in texture and taut, this finishes saline and long. To drink now and over the next four to six years.’’

    Available For Purchase Now

    • Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Dans les Bois’ Pinot Noir 2021 – 93 Points
      “Darkly fruited with black cherries, spice and a little fresh vanilla bean, this is a touch closed still.  Muscular with firm tannins, I guess this will come together nicely over the next 12 months and continue to evolve and improve over the next six to eight years.
    • Rochford Estate Syrah 2021 – 93 points 
      “An impressive medium-bright crimson purple.  Brambly with ripe, dark sour cherry fruit and some whole bunch derived spice rack notes.  Medium bodied fine tannins, this nicely put together wine is balanced and, while good now, should be even better in another two to three years.”
    • Rochford Estate Chardonnay 2021 – 92 points
      “The fruit is sourced from vineyards in Gruyere and Woori Yallock. Whole-bunch pressed to barriques, puncheons and a foudre. A medium gold with green tinges. Aromas of stone fruits, fig, some vanillin from the oak and a hint of brine, which follows on to a palate that’s saline, pithy and long.”
  • 5-Year-Old Vines Produce First Pick of Pinot Noir

    5-Year-Old Vines Produce First Pick of Pinot Noir

    Autumn is a key season for the wine industry – it’s the start of harvesting.  It is the season where our winemakers spend a lot of time closely watching the grapes on the vine so they will know the perfect time to pick and transport them to the winery and start the process of wine making.

    Here at Rochford Wines, the 2023 vintage has taken on a special significance with the first pick of Pinot Noir grapes from the youngest vines on our Coldstream property.

    Amongst the well-established vineyards at the home of Rochford, on the corner of Maroondah Highway and Hill Road, Yarra Valley, you will find younger vines producing quality Pinot Noir grapes planted only 5 years ago. 

    Yesterday, March 17, 2023, our owner and CEO, Helmut Konecsny joined our Rochford staff to hand-pick our first yield of Pinot from this part of the Hill Road property. 

    Like the grapes from all our vineyards, this fruit will embrace both the natural and inoculated ferment methods, with a combination of whole bunch and whole berries where appropriate.

    Our wine making philosophy is to use the best fruit possible from our vineyards, and this youthful yield is no exception. 

    We are excited to follow this journey and look forward to sharing the next stage of the process with you.  

  • Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019 Wins Gold

    Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019 Wins Gold

    And the winner is ….

    The results for medals are just in for the 2022 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay Challenge and our incredible Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019 has been awarded a GOLD medal in this very competitive and prestigious wine show.  

    A fabulous result we are immensely proud of, this wine has already been given 97 and 95 points from the critics and was previously awarded a GOLD medal in the running for a trophy at the Yarra show last year.  

    The Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019 reflects its Upper Yarra origin; with flavours of mojito, nectarine, grapefruit and pine nuts with fresh cream, and bursts of white botanicals, cashew, lime skin and flint, produced by Chief Winemaker Kaspar Hermann.

    Don’t miss out on your chance to sample our award-winning Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019, available on our website.

  • Celebrate International Pinot Noir Day

    Celebrate International Pinot Noir Day

    The 18th of August marks International Pinot Noir Day, a time to pay homage to one of the world’s most popular wine grapes and a favourite varietal here at Rochford Wines.

    Originating centuries ago from the revered Burgundy wine region in France, Pinot Noir takes its name from the French words for “pine” and “black”, referencing both the pine-cone shaped grape clusters and the deeper colour of the fruit. While Burgundy remains its birthplace, today Pinot Noir is grown extensively in many other cool climate wine regions around the world, including right here in the Yarra Valley.

    Brought into Australia in the early 1800s, Pinot Noir (a black thin-skinned wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera) was planted in the Yarra Valley – Victoria’s first wine region and now one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Australia – with the cool climate and soil ideally suited for growing conditions.

    At Rochford, Pinot Noir is grown across our diverse single vineyards in the heart of the Yarra Valley – each with distinctly unique microclimates, soils and elevations, resulting in intensely flavoured fruit with well-balanced acidity, capturing the essence of each site’s origin.

    Often described as “the most romantic of wines”, Pinot Noir is characterised by its delicate flavours of red fruits and spices, soft tannins, high acidity and lighter colour compared to other red wines.

    The Rochford Estate Pinot Noir 2021 hasa very fragrant nose of dried rose petals, red plum, warm spicy red berry fruits and a background hint of forest floor. The palate follows a similar path of red berry fruit, particularly raspberries, with a river pebble tannin providing structure. Lively acid gives freshness. This should evolve to be a classic Yarra Pinot Noir.

    The Rochford Single Vineyard ‘L’Enfant Unique’ Pinot Noir 2019 is a medium ruby red. Aromas of Asian spice, rose petal potpourri and plush red fruits form a heady bouquet on this Pinot Noir. It is a well formed, relatively muscular Pinot fruit that sits in comfortable repose on a bed of earthy forest floor humus and herby/bracken flavours. A wine to wallow in the sumptuous fruit, savoury mushroom and long spicy oak tannin finish.

    Versatile and food-friendly, Pinot Noir can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods from roast meats, rich pasta dishes and casseroles to chocolate-based desserts and a variety of cheeses and cured meats. 

    Explore our beautiful range of Rochford Pinot Noir today and see why this red varietal is loved by winemakers and enthusiasts globally.

    Celebrate International Pinot Noir Day with a visit to the Rochford Cellar Door or shop our extensive Pinot Noir range online here.

  • Rochford Wines Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019 takes home gold

    Rochford Wines Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019 takes home gold

    Our Single Vineyard ‘Premier’ Chardonnay 2019 shone brightly last week at the 2021 Langton’s Yarra Valley Wine Show and in the 2021 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge, receiving a top gold medal in each show. 

    This wine also received an impressive 97 points in the Halliday Wine Companion 2021. Captivate the senses and take this opportunity to experience an elegant example of a cool climate Chardonnay.

    Produced by Chief Winemaker Kaspar Hermann, this critically acclaimed Chardonnay proudly reflects its Upper Yarra origin. With bursts of white botanicals, cashew, lime skin and flint, flavours of mojito, nectarine, grapefruit, pine nuts and fresh cream; you don’t want to miss out on this exquisite premium wine.  

    For RRP $100, you can shop one of the nation’s best Chardonnays today. Membership discounts will apply. Secure this limited available stock via our website or call Linsey on 5957 3322.