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Buy OnlineOne of the most awarded, yet one of the most under-the radar Central Otago Pinot Noir labels. From a single vineyard planted entirely in Pinot Noir on the south side of the basin across the Clutha River from the Alexandra township. It has garnered a string of impressive awards since the first vintage in 2006 with the current release being no exception. This has to represent some of the best value, quality Pinot to come out of Central.
Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"Grasshopper Rock’s Earnscleugh vineyard is one of the world’s southern most vineyards. Established in 2003 and dedicated to Pinot Noir. One of Central Otago’s premier vineyard sites.
Perfumed with violets, blackberries, strawberry, hints of spice, chocolate and dried herb. A full silky entry with dark plum, dark cherry, florals and forest floor notes. Concentrated and complex with good minerality, ample fine-grained tannins and a persistent finish. Firm acid backbone which melds well with the dark fruit profile.
The fruit (clones 5, 777, 114, 115, Abel and 667) was harvested from the 5th – 11th April 2022. The fruit was destemmed into tanks to undergo fermentation by a mix of selected and wild yeast with peak fermentation was 30°C. Total time on skins was approximately 20 days. The wine was aged in French Oak Barriques for approximately 10 months, of which 28% was new oak."
Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, June 2025 (2022 Vintage)
"Great colour intensity with a red and ruby core and light pink hued rim. Aromas of a bright, fresh, youthful and varietal wine with boysenberry and raspberry scents laced with a soft lees and savoury frame, some youthful reduction and barrel spices. Complex and enticing. A dry wine on the palate with lots of tension and poise, plush ripe red berries reflect the bouquet plus plum and rose. Fine tannins and acidity frame the palate nicely, a savoury layer and dried herb. Best drinking from 2027 through 2034+."
95/100 Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com, Wine Advocate, June 2025 (2022 Vintage)
"The 2022 Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir hails from a warmer than average year. During flowering in December, cloudier and wetter than normal weather caused temperatures to drop, and there was reduced flower germination. Bunches were more open with fewer berries. In the glass, the fruit is supple and bright, with layers of red berries, underpinned by a cherry freshness. I can easily see why these wines will all be consumed in their youth, such is the freshness and detail in the fruit; however, I would strongly recommend that you attempt to exercise some patience with these bottles, as they evolve with wonderful freshness and detail over time."
