Is there anything more contentious for wine drinkers than dry versus sweet wine? I'm not talking here about the obvious debates around packaging - corks versus screw caps (which is so old as a debate now, as to render it completely bizarre that it still enters conversation), boxes filled with plastic bladders and low priced large volume vessels, such as magnums for sub $20 bottles of wine.

I am talking about pink wine that's pale but not dry. 

There's a long line up on my tasting table right now and the lightly sweet versions are strangely appealing for a taste or a glass while some of the young dry versions are a little stand-offish, although shy wines - like shy people - are often very much worth getting to know. I felt the same way about Rockburn's new 2025 Stolen Kiss Rosé. This is the 10th vintage of this wine and it's a tasty little number that has grown to be incredibly popular since the first time it was made in 2006 when winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis released the first vintage; made from Pinot Noir grapes that were supposedly stolen (read: redirected) away from their flagship high quality Pinot Noir destination into a light bodied, light hearted bottle of pink wine. 

There are plenty more rosés where this wine comes from - Central Otago - but also from further afield. I am in the midst of writing my annual rosé report for Drinksbiz magazine so there's an embargo on those notes but in the meantime, here' s a cheeky, cheerful, medium dry style of rosé from the southernmost wine region in the world; majestic Central Otago. 

17.5/20

2025 Rockburn Stolen Kiss Rosé RRP $33
The idea of ‘stealing’ a kiss brings to mind quiet romantic moments, which comes into play often for winemakers who work with grape varieties they love – such as Malcolm Rees-Francis who diverted some Pinot Noir grapes that were destined for Rockburn’s flagship Pinot Noir. Seeing potential in a lighter bodied, fun and flirty pink wine creation quickly, he made the first Stolen Kiss in in 2006, which makes this new release the 10th vintage of this rosé, which has since grown to become a playful take on the medium dry pink wine theme – flavours of strawberries, toffee apples and sunshine in a glass all spring to mind in this wine. It finishes on a fresh note with lightly fruity flavours. It’s a blend of grapes grown three different areas of Central Otago; Cromwell, Gibbston and Alexandra.