James Suckling | October 2022
James Suckling Wine Reviews
October 2022
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2020
96 Points
Intensely spicy and perfumed with concentrated notes of purple plums, cherry stones, rosemary, neroli, cloves, cigar box and ground coffee. The tannins are firm and tightly-knit, providing a solid frame to the dark fruit. Sensual and distinctive. Try this from 2024. Screw cap
Escarpment Kiwa Pinot Noir 2020
95 Points
A tightly-wound, stemmy and savory pinot with aromas of moss, charred bark, grilled herbs, spiced cherries, balsamic and rosemary stems. There’s lots of tension here with tight, firm tannins providing a firm yet fine and subtle backbone. Beautiful structure and focus. Drink from 2023. Screw cap.
Escarpment Te Rehua Pinot Noir 2020
94 Points
Beautifully transparent with complex aromas of violets, cranberries, mulberries, morels, rosemary stems, rotisserie and oyster shells. Tight and very fine tannins alongside bright acidity support vibrant fruit and herbs. Refined and bright. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2020
94 Points
This has aromas of cedar, roasted coffee beans, black cherries, plums and violets. Well-structured with firm, fine tannins. Fragrant, long and polished. Medium to full body. The oak is dominant at the moment but provides an excellent frame to the dark fruit. Try after 2023. Screw cap.
Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2020
93 Points
This has a complex nose of dark cherries, wild raspberries, slate, cloves and licorice. Excellent framing with firm, fine tannins and a focused, mineral palate. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.
Escarpment Martinborough Chardonnay 2021
93 Points
Toasty notes are married with lime, peach, ginger snaps and salted focaccia. Nicely textured with vibrant acidity. Very fresh. Medium bodied, sleek and elegant. Drink now. Screw cap.
Escarpment NOIR Pinot Noir 2021
92 Points
This has fragrant fruit with notes of raspberries, pomegranate, orange slices, cloves and herbs. Tightly-wound tannins support a fresh and wild core of berry fruit and herbs. Drink now. Screw cap.
Escarpment BLANC Pinot Blanc 2022
92 Points
Aromas of almond skin, grapefruit and baked pear. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Succulent, with rounded apple and pear fruit on the palate. Citrus peel, too. Dry and charming with mineral undertones. Drink now. Screw cap.
Escarpment GRIS Pinot Gris 2022
91 Points
Aromas of wet stone, pears and lemon leaf. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Clean and clear on the palate with a savory finish. Drink now.
