The first Pinot Gris made by Escarpment – tasted with Larry McKenna in Martinborough last week. A medium green-gold in the glass, with a delicate nose that spoke of varietal purity and minerals – pear, ginger, golden apple, oyster shell, dried peach, with baking spice and caramel. Dry and quite phenolic into the palate, with a tang of pithy apple skin and fruit tannin. Fruit is muted and mellow – apricot, tangerine and more baked pear flavours. Acidity is low, but there’s now a lovely textural end to the palate, with an enveloping, smooth mouthfeel. Contrasting that is still the line of chalky stone and crushed shell, which makes for a compelling finish – everyone present went back for another taste. A curiosity, but proof that good Pinot Gris lasts and is worth a look. 89pts.
Escarpment Pinot Gris 2002
