RAYMOND CHAN | JULY 2024
Raymond Chan | July 2024
Candice Chow for Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
Escarpment Chardonnay 2023, Martinborough
Bright, even, pale yellow with a green sheen. The nose is fresh and focused, with aromas of citrus, zest, stonefruit, minerals and delicate spice. Medium-full-bodied, aromas of lemon curd, lemon zest, pink grapefruit and nectarine layer with crushed rock minerals, clarified butter, vanilla and subtle spice. The creamy, plush texture counterplays with the crushed rock minerals, providing a chewy mouthfeel. The wine features an enticing acid tension, cut through the creamy layer to linearity. This Chardonnay is packed with tension, invigorating fruit and a charming texture. Match with crawfish and squid ink risotto over the next 6+ years. Fruit from estate vineyard and the wider Martinborough region, whole bunch pressed and fermented in French oak puncheons with indigenous yeast, aged in barrel for 11 months, 24% new oak. 13% alc. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Jul 2024 RRP $45
Escarpment Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough
Light crimson, even colour throughout. The nose is youthful and delicate, with aromas of red berry, red cherry, hibiscus, rooibos tea, and herbs. Medium-bodied, aromas of red cherry and cranberry meld with hibiscus, youth herbs, and rooibos tea. The red fruit core is delicate and enticing. Lacy acidity flows with dusty, supple tannins and lends a moreish closing. This delicate expression of Pinot Noir reflects the growing seasons, elegant and perfumed. Match with duck rillette and pork over the next 7+ years. The fruit was sourced from 75% Te Muna Road and Martinborough district, fermented with 24% whole cluster, minimal intervention, 13.5% alc, aged in French oak barriques for 11 months, 27% new oak. Further aged 9 months in stainless steel before bottling, unfined, unfiltered. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jul 2024 RRP $55
Escarpment Kiwa Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough
Light crimson with some depth, even colour throughout. This has a lifted, perfumed bouquet with aromas of rose petals, hibiscus, strawberry, cranberry, red cherry and dark herbs. Medium-bodied, aromas of cranberry, strawberry and red cherry have a sweet core, entwined with rose petals, hibiscus flowers, thyme, sweet basil and cinnamon. The perfumed fruit shows a delicate, sweet core and a precise acid line carries powdery tannins to an elegant, long finish. This single vineyard Pinot Noir displays pure, playful sweet fruit and perfume with elegance on a raw and silky mouthfeel. Match with quail and pork cheek over the next 8 years. Fruit from an established vineyard on Te Muna Road, fermented in open-top fermenters with 43% whole bunches, indigenous yeasts over 27 days, aged in French oak barriques for 20 months, 40% new oak, bottled unfined, unfiltered. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Jul 2024 RRP $85
Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough
Light crimson with depth, even colour throughout. This has a herbaceous, softly full bouquet with aromas of red and black cherry, young plum, dark herbs, spice and savoury elements. Medium-bodied, aromas of red and black cherry, plum and goji berry intertwined with cinnamon, vanilla, thyme, liquorice and shiitake. The fruit is complex and rich, adorned by spice and subtle smoky minerals. Bright and lacy acidity lifts the rich palate and drives an alluring, velvety closing. This single vineyard Pinot Noir has a complex, enticing palate with strength and depth. Match with baby lamb rack and duck breast over the next 10 years. Fruit from the vineyard opposite to winery on Te Muna Road, mix clones of 115, Cl5 and Able, fermented in open top cuves with indigenous yeasts, vat time 28 days, aged in French oak barriques for 20 months, 30% new oak, unfined, unfiltered. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) Jul 2024 RRP $85
Escarpment Te Rehua Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough
Light crimson, even colour throughout. The nose is softly full and savoury, with aromas of red plum, mulberry, herbs, spice and earth. Medium-full bodied, aromas of red plum and mulberry possess tangy acidity, melded with dark herbs, nutmeg, cinnamon and earth. The fruit is bright with fresh acid support; dusty tannins and earthy details broaden the palate, lending a savoury, rich finish. Te Rehua Pinot Noir has its typical expression of dark-toned herbs and earthiness on a velvety broad palate. Match with lamb shoulder and braised duck over the next 8+ years. Fruit from a single vineyard on Martinborough Terraces, multiple clones, fermented with 21% whole clusters and indigenous yeasts, aged in French oak barriques for 20 months, 43% new oak. 14.2% alc. Unfined, unfiltered. 19/20 pts (95 pts) Jul 2024 RRP $85
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough
Light crimson with some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is elegant and composed, with aromas of red and black cherry and plum, herbs, spices, dark floral and subtle savoury elements. Medium-full bodied, aromas of red and black cherry and plum show purity, unfolding rose petals, thyme, liquorice, nutmeg, cinnamon quill, dried mushroom and a touch of earth. The fruit is enriched by spices and firm, ripe tannins, reflecting dark herbs and savoury details. Graceful acidity underlines spice and carries to an earthy, rich, lengthy closing. This Pinot Noir possesses the hallmark Kupe expression, purity, richness, and finesse. Match with roasted lamb and hare over the next 10 years. Fruit from home block vineyard on Te Muna Road, 100% Able clone, fermented with indigenous yeasts in open-top fermenters, aged in French oak barriques for 20 months, 42% new oak. 14% alc. Unfined, unfiltered. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) Jul 2024 RRP $115