Escarpment Vineyard was established in 1999 as a joint business venture between Robert & Mem Kirby (of Australia's Village Roadshow) and Larry & Sue McKenna. Situated just 5 kilometres east of Martinborough village, Escarpment's 24 hectares of distinctive alluvial gravel, terraced land stretches out along the banks of the Huangarua River. Escarpment has established itself as one of New Zealand Pinot's elite in a little over a decade. The Escarpment Martinborough Pinot is terrific value, particularly when compared to its peers of Ata Rangi and Felton Road

Perfume, elegant fruit flavours, and soft ripe tannins are all hallmarks of this exceptional Pinot Noir. Perfect weather in Martinborough during flowering resulted in an ideal crop. A normal warm dry summer followed creating the distinctive Escarpment style showing complexity, attractive texture and the perfect mix of black, red and green fruit flavours for which Pinot Noir is celebrated.

The fruit was hand harvested, then gently handled without pumping until it was pressed. Hand plunged every 8 hours then left to macerate on skins for an average vat time of 18 days. It has been aged completely in French oak barriques, of which 30% were new, for 11 months. Inspired by the classic wines of Burgundy, this Pinot noir is a tribute to Martinborough’s unique terroir. It will cellar gracefully for up to 10 years.

13.4% alc, it was made from 70% Te Muna fruit, including 20% whole bunch, indigenous yeast fermented and spent 11 months in 30% new French barriques. Medium deep ruby red in colour, this had a full, soft nose of ripe dark cherry and berry aromas, subtly spiced and nuanced with florals, all with an excellent balance of all components. Fullish-bodied, this had good weight of dark berried fruits on a fresh, juicy palate with supple tannin extraction, providing good presence and length. A harmonious wine, quite complete in expression. 18.5/20; Raymond Chan; Regional Wines (NZ)