Candice Chow , Raymond Chan Reviews | July 2023

Escarpment Chardonnay 2022, Martinborough

95 Points

Bright, even, pale straw yellow. The nose is radiant and lifted, with citrus, peach, yellow blossom, cashew, and delicate spice aromas. Medium-full bodied, aromas of grapefruit, lemon rind, peach and blossom entwined with delicate spice, cashew and stony minerals. The mouthfeel is softly creamy with a stony mineral texture. Tart yet gentle acidity persists in an enticing, long finish. A cool climate and cool vintage Chardonnay expression features mineral, acid tension, refined balance and seduction. Match with prawn risotto and pork over the next 6-8 years. Fruit from Home block on Martinborough Terrace, barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts to 13% alc, aged on lees in larger format oak for 11 months, 20% new oak, underwent partial MLF. 19/20 pts (95 pts) July 2023 RRP $45

Escarpment Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough

94 Points

Deep ruby-red, lighter on the rim. The nose is coy, softly enveloping aromas of black raspberry, cherry, herb, floral and savoury elements. Medium-bodied, aromas of black raspberry, cherry melded with violet, thyme, liquorice, black pepper and shiitake. The wine is dark-toned and concentrated with rich herbaceous and savoury details. Tighly-kitted tannins show richness and a fine grip. A savoury and herbaceous Pinot Noir with a tightly bound structure. Match with roasted lamb and mushroom risotto over the next 6+ years. Fermented with 20% whole bunches to 13% alc, aged 11 months, 15% new oak, further aged 9 months in stainless steel tank, unfined, unfiltered. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) July 2023 RRP $55

Escarpment Kiwa Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough

96 Points

Deep ruby-black, slightly lighter on the rim. This has a lifted and bright bouquet, with aromas of floral fragrance, cherry, red berry, herbs and fine spice. Medium-full bodied, scents of cherry and red berry enriched by black pepper, nutmeg, dark herbs, hibiscus, and floral linger. The tannin is silky and fine-textured, providing a fine framework and herbaceous details. Lacy and enticing acidity persist to a lengthy, fragranced, elegant finish. This Pinot Noir shows good energy; floral details push through a tightly-bounded tannin framework and a sleek finish. Match with roasted duck and rack of lamb over the next 10 years. Fruit from one of the oldest blocks on Martinborough Terrace fermented with 43% whole bunches and aged 20 months in French oak barriques, 35% new oak, unfined, unfiltered. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) July 2023 RRP $85

Escarpment Te Rehua Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough

95 Points

Moderately deep, even, ruby-red. It has a dark, broody bouquet with aromas of mulberry, cherry, sweet floral, crushed rocks, herb and spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of cherry and red berry entwined with sweet floral, pu'er tea unfolding dark herbs of thyme, dried oregano, cinnamon bark, black tea and stony minerals. The mouthfeel is dense with a tightly woven tannin structure, concentrated and enticing. The fruit is rich yet fragrant, carried by fresh acidity to a silky, broody finish. This rich, tightly structured Pinot Noir is youthful and full of muscles and will benefit from cellaring. Match with venison backstrap and lamb stew over the next 8+ years. Fruit from a single-vineyard planted in 1993 on Martinborough Terrace, fermented with 38% whole bunches, on skins for 22 days, aged 20 months in oak, 37% new oak. 19/20 pts (95 pts) July 2023 RRP $85

Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough

96 Points

Moderately deep purple, slightly lighter on edge. This has a lifted bouquet, displaying purity of cherry, raspberry, floral notes and well-proportion of fine spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of cherry and raspberry are delicate and concentrated, flowing with lacy acidity, unveiling sweet floral notes interweaving cinnamon, nutmeg powder and a peppery closing. The wine is refined and delicate, with a silk line of tannin and enticing acidity. The whole bunches reflect a lifted, airy floral fragrance and linger to an elegant, lengthy finish. The most delicate and graceful of Escarpment's single-vineyard expressions, very pretty and alluring. Match with roasted pigeon and duck over the next 10 years. Fruit from Pahi vineyard adjacent to Home Block on Te Muna Road, clone 15 and Able, fermented with 58% whole bunches, on skins for 25 days, aged in French oak for 20 months, 25% new oak. Unfined, unfiltered. 13.5% alc. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) July 2023 RRP $85

Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough

97 Points

Deep ruby-red, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is composed and layered with black and red fruit aromas, sweet herbs and floral, earth and delicate spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of cherry and blackberry melded with sweet basil, tarragon, hibiscus and rose petals, unfolding black pepper, cinnamon quill, liquorice and earth. The wine is composed with a mellowed yet powerful expression. The integrated tannin is finely weaved with a firm structure, along with fine acidity carrying a lengthy, satisfying finish. This Pinot Noir is harmoniously integrated and alluring, yet powerful and structured. Match with stuffed quail with black truffle and lamb loin over the next 10+ years. Fruit from Home Bloack on Te Muna Road, 100% Able clone, fermented with 45% whole bunches, on skins for 31 days, aged in French oak barriques, 42% new oak.Light fining, unfiltered. 14% alc. 19.5/20 pts (97 pts) July 2023 RRP $115