August 2021

Raymond Chan Wine Review | Candice Chow

Read below the latest review from Candice Chow of our 2020 Chardonnay, 2020 NOIR, 2019 Pinot Noir, 2019 Te Rehua, 2019 Kupe

 

 

Escarpment Martinborough Chardonnay 2020

95 Points

Bright, straw-yellow with depth, even colour throughout. The nose is gently full, with enticing aromas of well-proportioned struck-match, lemon curd and sherbet unfolding buttery pastry, almonds and delicate spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly presented, nuances of lemon curd and sherbet melded with yellow apple and a hint of pineapple; an ethereal creamy and light texture unveil zest, spices, smoky flint, and discreet toasted almonds linger to linearity. The mouthfeel is silky and creamy with a finely chalky mineral thread; gentle and integrated acidity support and lengthen the palate with freshness and elegance. This is a well-rounded Chardonnay with beautiful balance and sexy appeal. Match with roasted quail and grilled whole flatfish for the next 6-8 years. Barrel-fermented with full solids, aged 11 months in barrels, 20% new oak. Partial MLF and lees stirred. 19-/20 pts (95 pts) Aug 2021

Grab a bottle here 

Read more here

 

Escarpment NOIR Pinot Noir 2020

93 Points

Deep, ruby-red with a tinge of purple, lighter on the rim. The nose is softly full and inviting, pure aromas of cherry and plum entwined with fresh basil, thyme and a light dusting of spice. Medium-bodied, nuances of cherries, plums melded with savoury earth, black pepper and dark herbs. The mouthfeel is delicate and supple with dusty tannin; balanced acidity lingers with spices to a sustained finish. This is a well-made and elegant Pinot Noir with perfect fruit ripeness and a gentle tannin palate. Match with smoked duck and lean meat over the next 5+ years. Handpicked, fermented in open-top fermenter to 13.5% alc, total vat time of 16 days, aged in barrels for 11 months. Unfiltered. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Aug 2021 

Grab a bottle here 

Read more here

 

Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019

95 Points

Deep, ruby-red with moderate transparency, lighter on edge. The nose is full and lifting, multilayered aromas of red cherries, blackberries interweave violets, black peppercorns and a hint of earth. Medium-bodied, bright aromas of red cherries, blackberries are lifted with violets, unfolding black pepper, dark herbs, subtle earth and ash. The acidity is lively, injecting vibrancy to the complexing earth and herbaceous elements. Powdery tannin leaves a light dusting on the palate and lingers to a savoury finish. This is an elegant Pinot Noir with brilliant fruit and acid balance on a silky palate. Match with five-spice roasted duck with plum sauce and hare loin over the next 8+ years. Handpicked, fermented in open-top vat to 13.6% alc, plunged every 12 hours, then left to macerate on skins for an average of 18 days. Aged in French oak barriques for 11 months, 25% new oak. 19-/20 pts (95 pts) Aug 2021

Grab a bottle here

Read more here

 

Escarpment Te Rehua Pinot Noir 2019

95 Points

Deep, ruby-red with a deep purple hue, lighter on the rim. The nose is savoury and wholesome, with aromas of blackberries, cherry plum at core, interweave ash, earth, deep floral and an amalgam of spices. Medium-full bodied, scents of cherry plum, blackberries melded with violet, black pepper, unveiling earth, ash, savoury elements. The mouthfeel is broad with density of fruit and earth, rich yet bright. Lacy acidity links the fruit, dark floral fragrance and earth details provide vitality and energy. Fine-grained tannin coated the palate with silk, supple yet showing strength and gentle power. This is a beautifully structured Pinot Noir that has subtleties, strength and power on a silky palate. Match with lamb rump and wild boar over the next 10 years. The fruit was sourced from a single site Barton Vineyard on Huangarua Road, 27 y.o. vines. Handpicked, wild fermented in traditional wooden cuvees with 50% whole bunch, open-top, hand plunged every 12 hours, total vat time of 22 days. Aged in French oak barriques for 18 months, 40% new oak. Unfiltered. 19/20 pts (95 pts) Aug 2021 

Grab a bottle here

Read more here

 

Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2019

97 Points

Deep, ruby-red with a tinge of dark purple, lighter on the rim. The nose is full, lifting and alluring, aromas of red cherries, intermix plum, thyme flowers, stalk perfume, along with black pepper, nutmeg. Medium-full bodied, perfect ripeness nuances of cherry, plum enriched by dark herbs and violet fragrance; black pepper, nutmeg unveil with subtle milk chocolate. Savoury herbs and stalk linger with sweet floral to a long, fragranced sustained finish. The wine is harmonious with pure fruit and fragrance intensity; black pepper and nutmeg spices lift and enhance the layers. Silky and creamy tannin draw a long line with lacy acidity, provides vitality and drive. This is a youthful Pinot Noir with immediate appeal, beautifully balanced purity and synergies with long ageing potential. Match with foie gras stuffed pigeon and roasted quail with truffle sauce over the next 10 years. The fifteenth release of Kupe, fruit was sourced from Te Muna Road. Fermented in wooden French cuvees with 70% whole bunch to 13.5% alc, hand plunged and aged in French oak barriques for 18 months, 50% new oak. Unfined, unfiltered. Vegan friendly. 19.5/20 pts (97 pts) Aug 2021 

Grab a bottle here

Read more here