GRASSHOPPER ROCK EARNSCLEUGH VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2022

One 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."

Reviews for previous vintages below…

5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, May 2023 (2019 Vintage)
"Bright, fresh pinot with vibrant black cherry, violet, fresh herb, oyster shell and subtle spicy oak flavours supported by fine, bright tannins that give the wine energy and the flavours a gentle launching pad. Appealing wine that is deliciously accessible now but no rush."

5 Stars Michael Cooper (2019 Vintage)
"Estate-grown in Alexandra, this is typically a good buy. Hand-harvested from vines planted in 2003, the refined, vigorous 2019 vintage was matured for 10 months in French oak barriques (28 per cent new). Deep, bright ruby, it is a fragrant, powerful, still youthful red, mouthfilling, with concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, vibrant, complex and savoury. Already delicious, it is likely to be long-lived, and should be at its best for drinking 2025+."

Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, May 2023 (2019 Vintage)
"Youthful and engaging bouquet with a fine savoury scent and core of ripe red cherry fruits, some light red raspberry flesh and minerality suggesting crumbled earth and stone. Even better on the palate with a vibrant texture from tannins and acidity and fruit flavours that coat the palate. Complex, dry, lengthy and well made. A wine still developing with primary fruits at the forefront of flavour then layers of oak and toasty wood spice attributes. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035. I tried this wine over 3 days and more than a little impressed with its stability, core attributes and complexity."