Wairarapa/Wellington

2009 Escarpment Kupe Martinborough Pinot Noir

This is the fifth release from The Escarpment Vineyard’s close planted vineyard on Te Muna Road, Martinborough. The spacing of 1.5m * 1m (6,700 vines/ha) is approaching the planting densities used in Burgundy from where the inspiration for this wine comes. Fermented in wooden French cuvees, hand plunged and aged in 50% new French oak barriques the wine was given every priority during its elevation and now shows all the hallmarks of a grand young wine on its release in 2011. The season was exemplary in Martinborough with a warmer than average, dry summer allowing perfectly ripe fruit to be harvested in April 2009. It is at the vanguard of Pinot noir style in the New World and should age gracefully for up to 10 years. The wine is a true reflection of both Martinborough’s unique terroir and the skills and experience of winemaker Larry McKenna. 95/100 from Bob Campbell who writes “From high density vineyard at Te Muna. Ten year-old vines. Quite dense yet supple wine with savoury, nutty, plum and spicy oak with a hint of wild herb character. 40% whole bunch ferment. Very complex wine with strong sweet tannins that are nicely managed by strong sweet fruit. Terrific wine with a great future. A very individual style.”

2009 Julicher Martinborough Pinot Noir

Normally $45 from this excellent, under the radar producer. This is almost the same price as their second label called 99 Rows so this is a brillant offer. 94/100 from Wine Orbit Magazine who writes "Once again a very stylish expression of the variety by this outstanding winery on the Te Muna Terraces, this 2009 wine shows complex aromas of dark cherry, spice, floral and subtle mushroom. The palate is ripe and concentrated with velvety texture and plenty of fine-grained tannins. The wine flows beautifully to a gently expanding finish. At its best: now to 2018." Also Bob Campbell writes "Pure and powerful Pinot Noir with a silken texture. A reasonably light colour but intense flavours of dark cherry, plum and an array of spices. The oak is nicely smothered by fruit although it does add a subtle seasoning of flavour. Classy Pinot Noir from a winery that is rapidly growing in stature..." Great Martinborough Pinot Noir buying.

2010 Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Noir

Fully certified organic this is a boutique single vineyard winery on the free draining alluvial gravels of the Martinborough Terrace (adjoining vineyards owned by Ata Rangi, Dry River, Martinborough Vineyards, and Palliser Estate). "This boutique producer has quietly been producing some distinctive wines, all organically grown on the Martinborough Terrace. There is an endearing brambly, funky quality to this new release, with a side order of Martinborough spice." Excellent Martinborough pinot at a snip.

2009 Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir

2009 Ata Rangi Lismore Martinborough Pinot Gris

"Pinot gris from the Lismore block always achieves optimum flavours later in the season, at around 26 Brix. As a result, we pick relatively late to achieve a wine closer to the plump and luscious style of pinot gris made famous in the Alsace region of France, rather than the leaner, generally bone-dry ‘pinot grigio’ version, popular in the north of Italy. The long finale to a wonderful season has delivered a very pure fruit expression of Pinot Gris – bronze skinned pear, figs and poached quince, with floral aromas of jasmine and a hint of baked custard. The wine is rich, but remains finely structured and beautifully balanced. With 11g/l residual sugar, it is gorgeous with Thai and other Asian influenced food, or simply enjoy as an aperitif."

2009 Escarpment Kupe Martinborough Chardonnay

Escarpment Vineyards are proud to release the second vintage of their Kupe Chardonnay ( only made when perfect conditions allow. The season gave perfectly ripe fruit grown on the Martinborough Terrace’s free draining alluvial gravels. It was barrel fermented in 30% new oak and aged on fermentation lees for 12 months before being bottled in April 2010. Bob Campbell scored this a 94/100 writing "Attractive wine that's both complex and texturally exciting. It's a big wine with ginger, spice, bread crust/brioche, toasted nut and grapefruit/citrus flavours. Bone-dry and richly textured with a lengthy finish.

2010 Dry River Martinborough Viognier

"Estate grown , ( 5 stars ) the 2010 is highly seductive in its infancy. Richly scented, with a late-harvest feel, it shows lovely weight, ripeness and delicacy, with deep, vibrant stonefruit flavours, gentle acidity, a slightly oily texture, and exceptional richness and harmony." M.Cooper

2009 Julicher Martinborough Riesling

2009 Martinborough Vineyards Chardonnay

Normally $39. 90/100 from Robert Parkers Wine Advocate who writes "Naturally fermented and aged in barrels, 20% new, on lees for 12 months, the 2009 Chardonnay underwent 100% malo-lactic fermentation and regular lees stirring before bottling. It gives pronounced honeyed toast aromas over notes of warm apricots, apple pie filling and toasted almonds. Medium bodied with a pleasantly creamy texture, it has medium acidity enlivening the opulent, ripe flavors, finishing long with lingering honey-nut notes. Drink it now to 2016+."

2010 Ata Rangi Petrie Chardonnay

Normally $35. 91/100 in Robert Parkers Wine Advocate which writes "Fermented in Burgundy barriques and puncheons, 18% new, the 2010 Petrie Chardonnay gives expressive notes of apricot tart, mango and pineapple with hints of lightly toasted bread, cashews and butterscotch. Medium bodied and generously fruited on the palate, it gives tons of ripe tropical fruit and toasty flavors with crisp acidity to balance and a long finish. Drink it now to 2015."