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Tasting notes
(12.8% alcohol; from 25-year-old vines; vinified with about 25% whole clusters; aged in 30% new oak): Good medium red. Musky, savory aromas of red berries, smoky underbrush, rose petal, celery seed and pepper. Then suave, smooth and light on its feet, conveying an impression of energy to the intense, fine-grained flavors of raspberry, strawberry, peppery herbs and violet. The stem component gives urgency and thrust to this penetrating, long, subtly complex pinot. A lovely 2012.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Pale to medium ruby-purple-colored, the 2012 Kiwa Pinot Noir is a little closed on the nose at this primary stage yet manages to give subtle notes of red currants and cherries with touches of sage, underbrush and mossy bark. Light-bodied and equally closed on the palate, the tight-knit fruit is supported by a low level of fine-grained tannins and balanced acid before the finish with good persistence. Drink it now to 2018+. Importer: Empson USA Inc., Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900; Fax (703) 684-2065
About the producer
Based in Martinborough, Escarpment is one of New Zealand’s leading producers of Pinot Noir. The estate’s top cuvée Kupe is widely regarded as a benchmark example of the region’s potential for producing world-class Pinot Noir.