Escarpment, Pinot Noir, Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand 2020

Martinborough Pinot Noir, which hails from the Wairarapa region in the south of New Zealand's North Island, is probably not as familiar to wine lovers as Pinot Noir from Marlborough or Central Otago. This example is from grapes grown on the alluvial gravel soils of the Martinborough Terrace, and spends 11 months ageing in barrel before release. The oak influence shows in the wine, which is fairly angular in style with some cedar spice from the barrel ageing. There is some attractive red berry fruit character, but would like a little more generosity and vibrancy. Still, this is a decent if more savoury style of NZ Pinot, which would pair well with duck, mushrooms or lighter meat dishes.