2010 Escarpment Pinot Noir Kiwa, Martinborough

This wine was grown on the Cleland Vineyard Cambridge Street, Martinborough from 28 year old vines. A combination of deep alluvial gravels which the Martinborough Terraces are renowned for and a blend of Clones UCD 5, 6 and 13 always rewards us with savoury, complex, spicy wine.

It was open topped fermented using indigenous yeasts in traditional wooden cuvees, hand plunged every 12 hours, with a total vat time of 21 days. After pressing it was matured in 40% new French oak barriques for 18 months. It was bottled using a minimum of egg white to protect the avours and
aid brightness in the glass; without ltering, promoting soft mouth feel and texture.

This is an outstanding example of classic Pinot Noir. It will continue to develop for up to 10 years and will always be a wonderful counterpart to any game food.

Intense wine with great density and a wonderful silken texture. Powerful ripe plum and berry fruit flavours occupy centre-stage with hints of floral and savoury complexity in support. Complex wine - elegance on a grand scale. Great not but will develop 13 FEB 2012

96 points Bob Campbell MW The Real Review