Pinot Noir, Blank Canvas, Escaroth Vineyard Marlborough, New Zealand

Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson. 
17.5 points
Mid smudgy garnet. Shows the whole-bunch component in a stemmy/sappy freshness (not at all green). There's a floral note but it's wild not domesticated, herbal not headily perfumed. On the palate, this is dry and savoury and avoids the sweetness that is so common in Marlborough Pinot Noir. Not quite starting to show tertiary flavours (eg leafy undergrowth) but there's a sense of the direction this will take. For now the non-sweet fruit is still captivating and controlling the long, fresh finish. Highlights how successful this vineyard is in low-yielding years (as in 2019). Excellent ageing potential, and a great example of the well-judged use of whole bunch. Has all the freshness and purity of the New Zealand climate as well as the complexity and ageing potential of sophisticated winemaking.

Alder Yarrow, Adding the fine to New Zealand wine, Jancis Robinson
17.5 points
Smells of cherries, berries and chopped herbs. Savoury and aromatic notes of herbs are wrapped in bright cherry fruit as saline, citrusy brightness washes across the palate. Notes of raspberry linger in the finish along with the savoury herbs and orange peel. Delicious.