ESCARPMENT TE REHUA PINOT NOIR 2018

Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"This wine was grown on the Barton Vineyard, Huangarua Road, Martinborough from vines 26 years old. A combination of deep alluvial gravels which the Martinborough Terraces are renowned for, and a blend of many clones grown in a very sheltered spot always rewards us with a classic example of New World Pinot Noir.

Hand harvested fruit was open top fermented using indigenous yeasts in traditional wooden cuvees, hand plunged every 12 hours, with a total vat time of 22 days. After pressing it was matured in 40% new French oak barriques for 18 months. It was fined to protect the flavours and aid brightness in the glass. Bottled without filtration, promoting soft mouth feel and texture.

It has a unique site derived complexity and texture combined with black cherry/plum fruit flavours. It will continue to develop for up to 10 years and will always be a wonderful counterpart to any game food.​"

Reviews for the 2017 vintage below…

5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, April 2019 (2017 Vintage)
"Complex and engaging, the bouquet shows black cherry, dark spice, dried herb and nutmeg characters, leading to an impressively persistent palate that is both elegant and powerful. Splendidly structured by chalky tannins, the wine is firm and sturdy with textural mouthfeel and savoury nuances. At its best: 2020 to 2027."

93/100 Rebecca Gibb, May 2019 (2017 Vintage)
"Soft and round, expanding in the mouth – lures you in with its come hither approach and then kerpow there's the tannims gripping your cheeks – the team at Escarpment are working on managing the cap for this vineyard which provides plenty of structure."