A delightful aroma of dried herbs, paprika, black olives, and dark berries. Notes of dark chocolate, soy sauce, Christmas cakes, and sweet fruits on the palate in a wine with a dense structure and firm tannins.
This wine is made from grapes grown at Barton Vineyard on Huangarua Road in Martinborough. The vines were planted in the 1990s. The site is rich in deep alluvial gravel, and several clones of Pinot Noir are planted here, producing classic New Zealand Pinot Noir.
The hand-harvested grapes were fermented in open tanks with indigenous wild yeast and 21% whole clusters. Punchdowns were performed once daily, with a total maceration time of 25 days. After pressing, the wine was aged in 43% new French oak barriques for 20 months. It was bottled without fining or filtration, enhancing a soft mouthfeel.
About Escarpment
Escarpment Winery focuses on producing wines with perfect balance and exquisite complexity, reflecting the unique terroir of this special part of Aotearoa.
History
An escarpment is defined as “a long, steep slope at the edge of a plateau,” which mirrors the unique landscape of Martinborough, where the winery is located. With optimal exposure to the sun’s rays in Wairarapa and ancient alluvial soils, this is a unique terroir with a distinctive natural balance, perfect for cultivating Pinot Noir. Since 1998, Escarpment Winery has been producing wines in Martinborough, focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. The wines are crafted through the collaboration of winemaker Tim Bourne and viticulturist Rowan Hoskins, both of whom are dedicated to terroir and nature in their work. Their focus is on terroir, including Martinborough’s vineyards, which are covered in alluvial gravel, contributing to wines with remarkable structure, complexity, and fruit expression.
New Zealanders hold deep respect for the land and its history. From the winery, there is a view of the Aorangi Ranges, three hills made famous by Kupe, a great Polynesian navigator who, according to Māori legend, discovered New Zealand. Kupe left his three canoes, Nga Waka, atop these hills, giving rise to the district’s well-known landmark, Nga Waka-o-Kupe—three flat-topped hills that resemble upturned canoes.
Te Muna Road, Martinborough, means “secret” or “special place” in Māori, reflecting the unique terroir that Escarpment possesses. Much like the great wines of Burgundy, Escarpment names its finest Pinot Noir wines after the vineyards where the grapes are grown. Single Vineyard Kupe, Pahi, Te Rehua, and Kiwa exemplify the estate’s philosophy, showcasing distinctive elegance and complexity.
