2025 Escarpment Blanc Pinot Blanc, Martinborough

The cuttings came from Felton Road. This wine the only of the variety in the region. A small-scale release. Vibrant, lighter-weight wine with chalky texture and a bit of juiciness at its core. Lemon curd with light gingery notes, some toasted muesli characters, general freshness and a touch of tonic water. Really delicious and simple, done well. Drink to 2028.

94 points Special Value Mike Bennie for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026

There are very few hectares of pinot blanc planted in NZ but perhaps there should be more? Very aromatic with lots of lemon balm, yellow-skinned apple and greengage plums. Bright, dry and crisp with lovely lightness of touch and whilst not particularly complex it has masses of exuberant charm. Drink to 2027.

93 points Jane Skilton MW for The Real Review, September 2025

This is the real deal, showing sliced apples, pears and hints of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied with crunchy fruit and a tangy finish. Some nice creamy texture. Fresh and delicious. Drink now. 

93 points James Suckling, January 2026

The fruit for this wine comes from a small block planted in 2000 on the Martinborough terraces. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, with juice settled overnight before fermentation in seasoned French oak puncheons, followed by a four-month rest on lees.

About this producer

Escarpment has been creating expression of Martinborough through Burgundian grape varieties for 35 years. The 24-hectare home vineyard on the regions deep alluvial loams is located minutes from the village, and is the primary source of fruit, supplemented by the produce of select neighbours. The vineyard work is supervised by Rowan Hoskins, while winemaker Tim Bourne has been guiding things back at the winery following Larry McKenna’s retirement after the 2022 harvest.