Address: Te Muna Road, Martinborough
Region: Martinborough
Size: Small
First vintage: 2001
2004 CQI: 4.00 out of 5 (7 reviews)..
Exported to US: Yes
Website: www.escarpment.co.nz
Larry McKenna has been one of the pioneers of top quality wine production in New Zealand; especially noted for Pinot Noir. He was the winemaker for Martinborough Vineyards when they launched their new enterprise in the quiet (very quiet) town of Martinborough. Learning how to handle the Heartbreak Grape on the fly, his Pinot Noirs soon raised Martinborough Vineyards to flagship status and changed the quiet town into a "go to" destination for wine lovers. A few years ago, Mr. McKenna left Martinborough Vineyards to become a partner in a new venture, The Escarpment. The Escarpment is located southeast of Martinborough in a neighborhood that includes Craggy Range. The first vintages were produced with purchased grapes but their own vineyards are now coming up to production level. High expectations abound for superior quality starting with meticulous attention to vineyard management and a skilled hand in the production room. The 2002 Pinot Gris was recently scored at 90 points by Wine International magazine in London.
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