Late Harvest

Savour the rich sweetness of a bottle of late-harvest wine, crafted from grapes left to ripen on the vine long past the typical harvest season. These dessert wines embody the beauty of patience and precision in winemaking and are beloved by dessert enthusiasts and wine collectors alike for their intense sweetness and complex flavour profiles — serving as the perfect conclusion to any dining experience.

Discover the flavour profiles of late-harvest dessert wine

The flavour profile of late-harvest wine is typically lush and layered, featuring a delightful blend of sweetness and acidity. These wines often exhibit concentrated candied and honeyed flavours, with aromatic nuances that can range from floral to earthy.

The texture of these wines can be more viscous and rich, making each sip a luxurious experience. Late-harvest dessert wines are often paired with a wide array of desserts, from fruit tarts to rich chocolate cakes, or can be enjoyed as desserts in their own right.

Pairing late-harvest wines

Rockcliffe’s late-harvest wines make them an excellent match for many sweet and savoury bites, such as:

• Cheeses— The sweetness of late-harvest wines contrasts beautifully with cheeses like Gorgonzola, Stilton or Roquefort. We especially love these wines paired with the saltiness and intensity of blue cheeses.
• Foie gras or pâté— The richness of foie gras or pâté pairs wonderfully with the lush flavours of late-harvest wines.
• Spicy Asian cuisines— The natural sweetness of these wines balances the heat from dishes like spicy Thai curries or Szechuan cuisine.
• Grilled meats— Try late-harvest wines with grilled pork or chicken to complement the charred, smoky flavours with the wine's sweetness.
• Seafood— Particularly good with richer, oily fish like salmon or with seafood dishes that feature sweet and savoury glazes.
• Creamy cheesecake— The wine's rich notes enhance the silky texture and flavour of classic cheesecake.
• Fruit tarts— Fresh fruit tarts with apricot, peach or apple are excellent, as the wine underscores the tart's natural sweetness.
• Chocolate desserts— The wine pairs delightfully with dark chocolate desserts, which echo its deep, sweet flavours.
• Ice cream— Vanilla or fruit-flavoured ice creams like raspberry or peach make simple yet satisfying pairings.
• Pavlova— The meringue's crispness and the cream and fruit topping work well with the aromatic sweetness of the wine.

The art of late harvesting at Rockcliffe

Late-harvest wines at Rockcliffe are crafted from grapes harvested well beyond the typical season, allowing them to develop higher concentrations of natural sugars. This extended ripening period sometimes leads to noble rot, which intensifies the grapes' flavours and adds unique characteristics to our wines.

At Rockcliffe Winery, we are committed to eco-friendly practices that influence every aspect of our winemaking process. Our winery harnesses renewable solar energy, advanced conservation measures and organic farming techniques whenever possible, resulting in high-quality grapes. At the same time, we protect the ecosystem that enables us to produce our exceptional bottles for a superior and sustainable wine experience.

Celebrate, sip and savour with a bottle of Rockcliffe 

Whether you're commemorating an anniversary or milestone or simply enjoying an intimate gathering with friends, opening a bottle of Rockcliffe's late-harvest wine will make your event even more special. 

Discover wines that transform every occasion by ordering online with us or buying from one ofour distributors. You can also schedule a visit to TheRockcliffe Winery Cellar Doorto taste our wines and experience the richness of our vineyard firsthand.

Join our wine club

Enhance your appreciation for fine wines by joining our exclusive wine club. Members gain access to our most coveted wines, along with first releases and special editions. 

Sign up nowto start your journey into the luxurious world of late-harvest wines and more.