Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2020

Escarpment Pinot Noir highlights Martinborough's unique terrior and winemaking philosophy, soundly revealed in this blend of Pinot Noir parcels from across this beautiful well-suited cool climate district.

Martinborough is a wine-producing area in the southern part of New Zealand's North Island. It lies around 55 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of the capital, Wellington, and is one of the three main subregions of the greater Wairarapa wine region.The viticultural focal point of the region is the Martinborough Terrace – a raised plateau of alluvial gravel just north of the town that has been forced up over time by tectonic movement. The free-draining nature of this soil is excellent for viticulture because it limits the hydration of the vines, leading to stress. These stressed vines put their energy more into producing small, concentrated berries than leafy foliage, increasing the quality of the grapes and subsequently the wines. Martinborough enjoys a relatively dry climate due to the rain shadow of the surrounding hills. The area is climatically quite similar to Marlborough, with a coastal influence. High sunshine hours, low rainfall and cool nights assist in ripening the grapes and adding character to the wines.

The fruit was hand harvested, then gently handled without pumping until it was pressed. Hand plunged every 12 hours then left to macerate on skins for an average vat time of 18 days.

It has been aged completely in French oak barriques, of which 25% were new, for 11 months.