THE KING'S DESIRE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2026

TASTING NOTE

Dry and pale pink in colour, this Provence style rose is intensely perfumed, offering aromas of watermelon and nashi pear with a subtle note of brioche adding complexity.  The plump, juicy palate opens dry, revealing flavours of white peach and crunchy Braeburn apple. Crisp acidity provide structure and length, leading to a refreshing salivating finish.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

3 Years.

ORIGIN

Sourced from The Slopes, our Waihopai Valley and Leefield Station vineyards in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough.

VARIETY

100% Pinot Noir.

WINEMAKING

100% Pinot Noir, which was harvested at its optimal ripeness and then cool-fermented in stainless steel tank to retain freshness and fruit purity. Time on yeast lees helped build opulence and mouthfeel.

ANALYSIS

• Alcohol - 12.5%
• pH - 3.54
• T.A - 5.64g/L
• Residual sugar 2g/L
• Vegan Certified

VINTAGE

The 2026 growing season delivered a dynamic yet ultimately rewarding vintage for Marlborough. Following a wet, mild winter, vines entered a warm, sunny spring with ample soil moisture and minimal frost pressure, driving strong early growth and one of the fastest progressions from budburst to flowering on record.

A timely return to cooler conditions around flowering helped moderate fruit set, resulting in balanced yields and improved bunch architecture. Summer brought cooler-than-average temperatures alongside a notably wet January, replenishing soil moisture and supporting berry development without compromising vine health.

February provided the ideal ripening window; warm, sunny, and largely dry — allowing fruit to reach optimal flavour maturity.

Harvest commenced earlier than usual and progressed efficiently, concluding after a concentrated finish in April.

Overall, 2026 can be considered a high-quality vintage, offering excellent varietal expression, vibrancy, and balance.

Among the twisted vines of owner Brent Marris’ ancestry was William de Marisco, said to be one of the illegitimate sons of King Henry the First. In the twelfth and thirteenth century, the de Mariscos' inhabited Lundy island off the south-west coast of England, engaged in a tempestuous relationship with the monarchy of the time. At times receiving favour, and at others displeasure, the de Mariscos’ acts of piracy and treason defined their place in history. Celebrating his scandalous family history, Brent Marris presents The Kings Series.