Astrolabe Marlborough Rose 2022

Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé is a pale, dry blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris with delicate fruit, floral lift and a smooth, finely balanced palate. Apricot, peach and orange blossom lead into bright red apple, redcurrant and rose petal, with gentle acidity carrying the flavours through a clean, refreshing finish. Fruit from the Waihopai Valley, Awatere Valley and lower Dashwood gives the wine a broad Marlborough identity, while minimal skin contact keeps the colour light and the style elegant. Serve well chilled as an aperitif, or alongside prosciutto-wrapped melon, lightly grilled fish or a goat's cheese salad.

What the winery says:

The 2022 blend comprises 74% Pinot Noir and 26% Pinot Gris, with 42% of the fruit from the Waihopai Valley, 41% from the mid-South Awatere Valley and 16% from lower Dashwood. The grapes were pressed off their skins immediately after arriving at the winery, with minimal skin contact used to retain a pale peach-blush colour. The finished wine contains less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar. The winery describes apricot, peach and orange blossom aromas, followed by red apple, redcurrant and rose petal across a fresh, dry palate.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 & Excellent (2022 Vintage)
“A fragrant and fine bouquet with scents of raspberry and cherry, there’s a mix of mineral and sea air, a distinctive leesy quality.”