From the Kupe vineyard just east of Martinborough on its terraced, alluvial gravel soils, comes this top-drawer Pinot Noir, made one of the country’s legendary winemakers – Larry McKenna. Huw Kinch – now at Pyramid Valley, would have also had a hand in this – Escarpment’s signature wine – in this superb vintage. A brooding, bloodily dark ruby burgundy in the glass, exuding lifted aromas of cherry, damson, cinnamon, cranberry, mocha and violets. Rich, concentrated and savoury over the plush fruit, with an earthy, mushroom and peat element that gives intriguing complexity and depth. The chewy, ripe tannin is the backbone here, with acidity and oak playing a supporting role – neatly integrated after a few years in bottle. Youthful though, with no hard edges but plenty of tension and spring to the palate – appealing and drinking well, but with many moons to stay relaxed away in the cellar if required. A dry, supple finish of immense length. 96pts
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2013
