2013 Pahi Pinot Noir, Escarpment, Martinborough, New Zealand

Martinborough

Located on the southern tip of the North Island, Martinborough lies around 55km from Wellington and while it may remain somewhat in the shadows of Marlborough, it is rightly regarded as one of New Zealand's finest regions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Following an analysis of the region in the 1970s, it was discovered there were stark similarities in the climate and topography of Martinborough with Burgundy. Consequently, many tracts of land were snapped up and vineyards promptly planted. Sandwiched between the Rimutaka mountain range and the Wairarapa hills, the cool climate of the raised plateau of alluvial gravel is ideal for viticulture as the free-draining soils stress the vines into producing high quality, concentrated grapes. Similar to Marlborough, the Martinborough climate is quite dry; the rain shadow of the surrounding hills and moutains limiting downpours which, along with the high sunshine hours and cool nights, help to produce well ripened, balanced and characterful wines. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars, but Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris (made in a more Alsatian style) also do well.