Grape

Pinot Noir

Its Origins

Grasshopper Rock is one of the world’s southern most vineyards, established in 2003 and dedicated exclusively to pinot noir. The vineyard is situated on Earnscleugh Road, across the Clutha River from Alexandra. The site enjoys high sunshine hours by day and very cool temperatures by night and is sufficiently harsh and difficult to make the vines work their hardest. With extremes of heat and cold comes the risk of spring and autumn frosts, providing a demanding but rewarding environment for the production of premium pinot noir.

What The Critics Say

95/100 Bob Campbell MW

"Delicately-scented pinot noir with purity and power. It's a good example of the fine, tight and often miner-laced styles found in the Alexandra Basin. An elegant wine that is a confident expression of place. 14/5/2018." Drink 2018 - 2023

5 Stars Michael Cooper

"Estate-grown in Alexandra, this is typically a wonderful buy. From vines planted in 2003, the 2016 vintage (5*) was fermented partly with indigenous yeasts and matured for 10 months in French oak barriques (29 per cent new). Bright ruby, with a richly perfumed bouquet, it is mouthfilling, with concentrated cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, complex and savoury. Already delicious, it's also well worth cellaring; open 2019+." Drink 2018 - 2023

19/20 Raymond Chan

"Dark, deep ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues, a little lighter on the rim. The nose is full and softly voluminous with bright and vibrant primary aromas of dark-red cherry and dark plum fruit entwined with violet florals and subtle notes of dark herbs. This combines youthful richness, ripeness and fragrance. Medium-bodied, the palate is bright, juicy, sweetly rich with vibrant and lively aromatic fruit flavours of dark-red berry fruit, with nuances of black fruits and dark-red plums, layered with subtle notes of violet florals and hints of thyme herb. The palate has mouthfilling fruit supported by supple tannin extraction, lending a rounded structure, with soft, balanced acidity. This has a fine core with excellent linearity, and the wine carries to long and sweet-fruited finish unveiling liquorice elements. This is a rich, plush, juicy and vibrant Pinot Noir with succulent dark berry and plum flavours with violet florals on a supple palate with a fine heart. Match with duck and pork, and beef and lamb dishes over the next 6 years. Clones 5, 777, 114, 115, Abel and 667, the fruit fully destemmed and fermented to 13.3% alc., the wine aged 10 months in 29% new French oak barriques. 19.0/20 Apr 2018 RRP $40.00." Drink 2018 - 2024