Made from own-rooted Abel Clone fruit grown near the winery off Te Muna Road, the 2017 Kupe Pinot Noir boasts the lowest alcohol level (12.5%) I recall seeing on an Escarpment Pinot Noir. It's done a great job integrating the 70% whole-bunch fermentation, leaving behind spicy, black cherry-laced aromas and flavors. Despite the modest alcohol, it's full-bodied, plush and rich, with a long finish and complex herb and spice shadings.

Distinctive, with dense fruit flavors, velvety tannins and a delightful aromatic profile, showing off whiffs of mahogany and cigar box. Complex black truffle, blackberry pie and cedar notes wrap around the muscular core, showing off tremendous harmony on the long finish. Drink now through 2035. 250 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–MW??Region: New Zealand / Wairarapa / Martinborough Select to Add