2020 Escarpment ‘Te Ruha’ Pinot Noir

96 Points - Bob Campbell, The Real Review | March 2022
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Ranked: #5 of 25 2020 Pinot Noir from Martinborough
The Real Review's 'Wine of The Week' 
From a 1.1-hectare sheltered site on the edge of the escarpment formed by the Huangarua River. Planted in as many clones of pinot noir that were available in 1992, winemaker Larry McKenna believes it produces more complexity and an array of dark fruit flavours. It’s an intense, ripe, almost lush fruit-forward pinot noir with floral, red rose, plum, cassis, anise and mixed spice flavours. A delicious wine with a velvet texture and lingering finish. It will benefit from a little bottle age but can be appreciated now. 

About this Wine // From the Winemaker: 
The Te Rehua Pinot Noir is a unique single vineyard, that brings a richer fruit profile and more robust styled Pinot Noir whilst highlighting the dense tannin structure from Martinborough. (Escarpment.co.nz)

This wine was grown on the Barton Vineyard, Huangarua Road, Martinborough from vines planted in the 1990’s. A combination of deep alluvial gravels from the Martinborough Terraces and an assemblage of many clones to produce a classic example of New Zealand Pinot Noir. Hand harvested fruit was open top fermented using indigenous yeasts in a traditional wooden cuvee. It was hand plunged once a day, with a total vat time of 20 days. After pressing it was matured in 30% new French oak barriques for 16 months. Bottled without fining or filtration, promoting soft mouth feel and texture.

Tasting Notes: A unique site derived complexity and texture combined with black cherry and plum fruit along with tight savoury nuances of forest floor, black tea and licorice. The inclusion of stems gives the wine aromatic lift and the firm tannins are a hallmark of this block. It will continue to develop for up to 15 years and compliment roast meats, game and charcuterie. Serve at 16°C.