STEPHEN WONG MW - MAY 2026

Stephen Wong MW - The Real Review

May 2026

Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2023

96 points

Deep-ish red-purple colour and a bouquet that is reserved and shows dominant oak at this tender age. It's full bodies and very firm, with big structure and grip, bright acidity and firmly gripping tannins, also major intensity and concentration of flavour. There is a wow factor here. This is a pinot noir built to age and it demands patience. It can be approached now but I wouldn't dream of touching it for some considerable time. Impressive stuff.

Escarpment Kiwa Pinot Noir 2023

95 points

Medium red-purple colour; freshly turned earth, smoked meats and cooked red fruits to sniff. The wine is intense and forceful, with good concentration and piercing flavour backed by authoritative tannins which are nevertheless in balance. This has real presence and impact. A seriously smart pinot noir with ageing potential and makes for impressive drinking already.

Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2023

94 points

Medium-full red with purple rim and reserved, shy aromas in the earthy/forest undergrowth and walnut spectrum. A patina of smoky oak too. The wine is rich and full in the mouth, with volume and amplitude. A deep and fleshy wine with loads of extract to match the intense flavours and big structure. Long, long finish. Serious pinot: long-term potential but also really appealing right now. It could cope with heartier meat dishes.