Menu
2022 harvest was one of the easiest for many years with no weather pressure and perfectly clean and ripe Pinot Noir grapes. The vintage was slightly warmer than average. 972 growing degree days versus our average of 942. During flowering in December, cloudier and wetter than normal weather caused temperatures to drop and there was reduced flower germination. The poorer fruit set meant less berries per bunch and more open bunches
when it came to ripening which was a good thing. March and April were outstanding months of perfect weather for ripening and harvesting Pinot Noir by hand. Average bunch weights were 99 g versus longterm average 105 g.
Michael Cooper – NZ Wine Buyers Guide
Estate-grown in Alexandra, this is typically a good buy. Hand-harvested from vines planted in 2003, the energetic, savoury 2022 vintage (4.5*) was aged for 10 months in French oak barriques (28 per cent new). Mouthfilling and supple, it is a very graceful, strongly varietal red, with good concentration of cherry, plum, spice and herb flavours, gently seasoned with nutty oak, and a sense of youthful vigour. Already drinking well, it’s ageworthy too. August 2024
Mark Henderson – Otago Daily Times – Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Earthy touches, wisps of char, a minty/eucalypt element, plum, increasing savoury notes. Delightful silkiness on the front palate, neatly balanced & integrated, all the elements working together. Time brings the underlying tannic structure to the fore, a reminder of its potential. Ends with a refreshingly zesty piquancy on the long, long close. 24 Aug 2024
Bob Campbell MW – The Real Review – 94/100
Fragrant pinot noir with floral/rose petal and berry flavours that contrasts with a structure of fine, sappy tannins. Although the wine is relatively light-bodied the tannic backbone suggests that it has good cellaring potential. August 2024.
The 2020 was one of the more difficult vintages due to the cold weather and the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown from late March 2020. Spring started normally but weather events turned against us. An unusual atmospheric phenomenon known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming turned everything upside down. A hailstorm hit the vineyard on 16 November and contributed to some flower damage. December, when the vines are flowering, was one of our coldest on record. It was the first time we have recorded lower temperatures in
December than November. Temperatures and weather at flowering are strongly correlated to fruit set and bunch weights. The 2020 average bunch weight (ABW) was 65 g vs long term average of 108 g. The weather did improve, and conditions were excellent for ripening in more typical Central Otago weather of hot dry days and cool nights. The quality of the fruit
going into the winery was excellent.
Bob Campbell MW – The Real Review – 95/100
Gently aromatic wine with floral/violet, fresh herb, cherry and pronounced mineral/oyster shell flavours. Supple pinot noir with initial fruit/alcohol sweetness that is balanced by peppery tannins that promote a drying finish. Good cellaring potential. 03 JUN 2022
94/100Michael Cooper – NZ Wine Buyers Guide
Still very youthful, the 2020 vintage (4.5*) is a bright ruby, energetic, vibrant red, with fresh cherry, plum and spice flavours. Although slightly less intense than the 2019, it is very elegant and savoury. Drink 2024+. Aug 2022
Erin Larkin – The Wine Advocate – 94/100
The 2020 season was cool across the region (except in pockets where it wasn’t), and so this 2020 Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir is detailed, precise and already laden with coffee grounds, hints of roasted meat crust, clove, dark chocolate/raw cocoa and a hint of licorice. In the mouth, the wine is infused with a load of chalky tannin that defines the fruit at this stage. Given the way these wines age for 20 years with ease, this will only improve over time, reaching its apogee in the early 2030s. It's just a lovely, lovely wine. 13.4% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2040. Nov 2023.
Rebecca Gibb MW – Vinous – 90/100
The 2020 Pinot Noir Earnscleugh Vineyard is now mellowing and delicious to approach. You’ll find a rich concentration of sweet, strawberry and plum fruit (which may result from the very small bunch weights) alongside black tea, mushroom and tobacco. The small berries also produced a higher skinto-juice ratio, producing richly textured wine. Showing a touch of color development in its garnet rim, maturing savory flavors and a round, curvy palate, this is drinking well now and will for the next five years. May 2024
Grasshopper Rock
PO Box 19 385
Hamilton
3244
New Zealand
Licensee: Grasshopper Rock
Licence #:67/OFF/10/2023
Exp: 15 Feb 2026
© 2024 Grasshopper Rock. All rights reserved. | Site by Gorilion