JAMES SUCKLING | JANUARY 2026
James Suckling
January 2026
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2023
94 points
A thoroughly beautiful pinot with fresh aromas of strawberries and sliced oranges that are balanced and pure. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins and a clear and bright finish. Cantaloupe and flint undertones. Made from pure Abel clone and fermented with 30% whole clusters.
Escarpment Kiwa Pinot Noir 2023
94 points
A solid pinot with aromas of berries, lemon rind and hints of spices and orange peel. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a polished finish that’s tight at the end. It shows subtlety.
Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2023
94 points
So floral, with cranberry and orange peel aromas that follow through to a medium body with sliced orange and peach flavours. Crunchy and delicious. So fresh and yummy. Some wholebunch fermentation.
Escarpment Martinborough Chardonnay 2024
94 points
A solid chardonnay with aromas of sliced apples and hints of vanilla, nougat and pears. It’s medium-bodied with a dense centre palate and a flavourful finish. Density at the end. Just a touch of flint and spices in the finish. Mostly Mendoza (Wente) clone.
Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2023
93 points
A very pretty pinot noir from a challenging vintage, with dried strawberry and orange peel aromas and flavours. Nice sweet fruit. About one-third whole-bunch fermentation.
Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Blanc 2025
93 points
This is the real deal, showing sliced apples, pears and hints of honeysuckle. Medium bodied with crunchy fruit and a tangy finish. Some nice creamy texture. Fresh and delicious.
Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Gris 2025
93 points
Almonds and light spices with some flint and smoke. It’s medium-bodied with pear candy, hints of lemon curd and sliced cooked apples.
Escarpment Martinborough Rose 2025
92 points
Soft and delicious, with sliced peaches and pears and a creamy texture. It’s medium bodied with a hint of bitter lemons in the finish.
Escarpment Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025
93 points
Zingy and lively, with aromas of limes, fresh herbs and some bitter lemons. Medium bodied with a crisp finish. Reminds me of Sancerre.
