James Suckling | January 2023
James Suckling Tastings
January 2023
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2021
96 POINTS
A very tannic and crunchy wine with cashmere texture and powerful structure. Rather muscular. Full body. Fantastic depth of fruit. Blackberry with some dried strawberry and orange peel. Needs three or four years to soften. Best after 2027. Screw cap.
Escarpment Kiwa Pinot Noir 2021
96 POINTS
This is racy with fantastic linear tannins that run the length of the wine. Medium-bodied with density and tightness. Needs time to open and brighten. Less plush than in the past. Sophisticated and classy. Best from 2025. Screw cap.
Escarpment Te Rehua Pinot Noir 2021
95 POINTS
A juicy and savory 2021 with dried strawberry, meat, mineral and earth undertones. Medium to full body. Chewy tannins and layered. Slightly smoky at the end. Charcoal. Very drinkable but better in 2025. Screw cap.
Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2021
93 POINTS
Aromas of crushed strawberries with some stone. Some hints of smoke. Orange peel, too. Medium to full body. Tight and chewy with lots of firm tannins and a crunch finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2021
93 POINTS
A linear and bright fruited pinot with sliced strawberry and orange peel character. Subtle and tight. Refined texture to it. Racy at the end. Needs two or three years to resolve the tannins and open. Drink after 2025. Screw cap.
Escarpment NOIR Pinot Noir 2022
91 POINTS
Lighter color because of the fresher vintage. This is very crunchy and delicious with strawberries, citrus, and green flowers. Medium body. Fresh and real. So quaffable and satisfying. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
