2020 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Release
We are pleased to announce the new vintage release of Escarpment's four Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs from the 2020 vintage, Kupe, Pahi, Te Rehua and Kiwa.
Kupe Pinot Noir 2020
Kupe Pinot Noir originates from the Escarpment Vineyard’s closely planted block on Te Muna Road. The vines which have grown this wine have been our pride and joy since they were planted in 1999.
Inspired by wines from Burgundy, the high-density planting gives a unique opportunity for the Abel clone to express its self in a distinctive manner. A unique wine that always exhibits perfume, power, and elegance, all rolled into one exquisite package. An ideal accompaniment to any gamey red meat, duck, or New Zealand lamb.
Accolades
97 Points | The Real Review
"Flagship wine from the Home Block, first planted in 1999. Seductive pinot noir with a core of sweet, ripe plum and cherry flavours together with floral and spice noted. Deliciously approachable now but with cellaring potential."
Te Rehua Pinot Noir 2020
This vineyard has a very clear style expression evolving from a traditional planting approach. Geoff Bunny sourced as many clones of Pinot Noir that were available in 1992 and planted them at random on the 1.1ha site. Diversity in planting material is an important part of Terroir, producing more complexity and an array of dark red fruit flavours. Now owned by Tim & Ruth Barton, the site is well sheltered and on the edge of the escarpment formed by the Huangarua River.
The alluvial loams are typical of Martinborough and help to give unique qualities when combined with ideal summer and autumn weather patterns, creating complex long-lived wines. An ideal accompaniment to any gamey red meat, duck, or New Zealand lamb.
Accolades
96 Points | The Real Review
"Intense, ripe, almost lush fruit-forward pinot noir with floral, red rose, plum, cassis, anise and mixed spice flavours. A delicious wine, with a velvet texture and lingering finish. Will benefit from a little bottle age but can be appreciated now."
Kiwa Pinot Noir 2020
Planted on the Martinborough Terrace alluvial gravels in 1989 by Graham and Gill Cleland. This 2ha site is one of the finest in the district. It consistently produces wines with a pure expression of the Martinborough style. Vine age, good shelter, and a blend of Clone 828, UCD Davis clones 5 and 6 merge into classic wines of great depth and character.
The hallmark of this vineyard is the savoury, earthy undertones combining with beautiful ripe black, red, and green fruit flavours which are always expressed in the resulting wine. These characters are consistent from year to year ensuring the Terroir is paramount in the bottle.
Accolades
96 Points | The Real Review
"From 33-year-old vines that promote density and consistency. A bright, vibrant wine with black-fleshed plum, cherry, raspberry and five-spice with an appealing savoury and fresh herb edge."
Pahi Pinot Noir 2020
Pahi Vineyard, situated on Te Muna Road is a combination of clones 114, 115, Pommard, 667 and Abel, giving a diverse array of flavours and Pinot noir expression.
Part of the Martinborough Terrace, the site possesses the same alluvial, free draining gravel soils which has made Martinborough famous. Planted in 2003 these vines have adequate age, considered by Escarpment to give superior quality fruit. Grown organically since 2020 and transitioning to Biogro status, an exemplary single vineyard expression is assured.
Accolades
95 Points | The Real Review
"An intense pinot noir with cassis, violet, red rose, plum, black cherry and spicy oak supported by tangy acidity and fine, peppery tannins. An aromatic wine that opened up as it sat in the glass. It deserves to be aerated."
Read the full article and review by The Real Review here.
