Vineyard: Escarpment

OwnersKirby Family, Larry McKenna
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2008 Escarpment Martinborough New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $35. Imported by Meadowbank Estates, Alexandria, VA. The vineyard at Escarpment is planted on alluvial gravel terraces at the foot of the Aorangi Mountains. Vinified by Larry McKenna, known in New Zealand as the “Prince of Pinot.” · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Nice array of spicy red and black fruits on the expressive nose. Full-bodied and very ripe core of dark red and black fruits with complimentary oak vanillin and spice in the background, displaying a creamy mouth feel, and exhibiting a modest persistence on the finish. Very good (-). Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Escarpment Kupe Martinborough New Zealand Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $60. The Maori navigator Kupe is said to have discovered New Zealand, and his image on the label and his pioneering journeys inspire the winemaking at Escarpment. The Kupe bottling represents the first wine released from close planted vines on the estate's Te Muna Road, Martinborough vineyard planted in 1999. Word has it that some of the plantings are suitcase clones from France planted on their own roots. This bottling will only be produced in exceptional vintages. Imported by Paterno Imports. · The wine clearly has the most power of any New Zealand Pinot Noir I tasted recently. It is a Pinot Noir of great promise but I would not drink it for at least five years. The potent nose intoxicates with black plums and cherries. The flavors are deep and dark with underpinnings of earth, pepper and toasty oak. There are substantial tannins in the background. This is one big, rich pussycat. Reviewed April 16, 2006 WINERY »