Technical Analysis
A combination of slightly heavier soils and a blend of clones gives Escarpment this particular style; soft, ripe, pure fruit expressions in an exceedingly New World Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
This is an outstanding example of classic Martinborough Pinot Noir, that showcases the very best of Te Muna Road. It leaps from the glass with bright red fruits, wild herbs, and gamey notes. It is incredibly lifted and perfumed, underpinned with savoury spice and charcuterie. The palate is medium weight with plush velvet-like plump fruit and a juicy profile. Subtle oak use adds complexity but keeps the focus on the fruit. A fine acid line amongst soft silky tannins completes the finish. It will continue to develop for up to 15 years.
Vinification details
The fruit for this wine was hand-picked over two days with the final wine comprised of clones 114, 115, Cl5 and Abel, giving a diverse array of flavours and a unique expression. The fruit was open top fermented in traditional cuvees, using indigenous yeast and hand plunged just once a day, with a total vat time of 25 days. After pressing it was matured in 25% new French oak barriques for 20 months. Bottled without fining or filtration, promoting soft mouth feel and texture.
AWARDS
Bob Campbell MW: 96 pts
Technical Analysis
A combination of slightly heavier soils and a blend of clones gives Escarpment this particular style; soft, ripe, pure fruit expressions in an exceedingly New World Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
This wine was grown on the Pahi Vineyard Princess Street, Martinborough from 28 year old vines. A combination of slightly heavier soils and a blend of clones, 10/5, Abel and Clone 5 always rewards with this particular style; soft, ripe, pure fruit expressions in an exceedingly New World Pinot Noir. Sadly this will be Escarpment’s last Pahi from this site.
Vintage conditions
The season was warm and drier than average for this block. It has created fruit harvested in brilliant condition giving ripe flavours and soft tannins. The summer was as good as the inspirational 2013 vintage.
Vinification details
Open-top fermented using indigenous yeasts in traditional wooden cuvées, and hand plunged every 12 hours, with a total vat time of 17 days. After pressing it was matured in 30% new French oak barriques for 18 months. It was bottled without fining or filtration to protect the flavours and promote a soft mouth feel and balance.
Awards
Raymond Chan: 19+/20
Wine Spectator: 92 pts
JamesSuckling.com: 96 pts
Green credentials
Member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
Technical Analysis
A combination of slightly heavier soils and a blend of clones gives Escarpment this particular style; soft, ripe, pure fruit expressions in an exceedingly New World Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
From 27 year old vines, this is a deep red with ruby tones. Anise and herbs on the nose with raspberry and a hint of fresh dill. Broad, sweet and fine-grained, with enticing red cherry fruit, spices, earth and minerals. This is generous, expressive Pinot Noir.
Vintage conditions
The season was warm and drier than average. It has created fruit harvested in brilliant condition giving ripe flavours and soft tannins. The summer was as good as the inspirational 2013 vintage.
Vinification details
This was open topped fermented using indigenous yeasts in traditional wooden cuvées, hand plunged every 12 hours, with a total vat time of 17 days. After pressing it was matured in 30% new French oak barriques for 18 months. It was fined using a minimum of egg whites to protect the flavours and aid brightness in the glass without filtering, promoting soft mouth feel and texture.
Awards
Stephen Tanzer: 90+ pts
Raymond Chan: 19/20
Green credentials
Member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
