Bob Campbell MW recently reviewed our 2017 Blank Canvas red releases, calling them 'impressive treats' that upheld our motto of pushing boundaries, taking risks and use creative license to create wines that are different, distinctive and sincere.

Here are the full reviews: 

ESCAROTH PINOT NOIR 2017 – 95 POINTS / *****
Dry-farmed, north facing slope in the Southern Valleys, 50% whole-clusters. Delicious pinot noir with violet, wild flowers, sweet dark cherry, raspberry and spicy oak flavours. An ethereal, silken texture is even more impressive than the wines appealing and complex aromatics. Dangerously accessible now. 21/8/2019 - Drink 2019 to 2025 (#3 of 101 2017 Pinot Noir from Marlborough)

UPTON DOWNS PINOT NOIR 2017 – 95 POINTS / *****
This wine is a 100% clone 777, 40% whole-cluster, unfiltered wine from the Upper Awatere valley. Delicately perfumed pinot noir with floral, rose petal, violet, cherry and subtle savoury and crushed herb characters. An appealing and distinctive wine that successfully balances fruit sweetness against a sinewy texture. Approachable now but should age very well 21/8/2019 - Drink 2019 to 2026 (#4 of 101 2017 Pinot Noir from Marlborough)

ELEMENT SYRAH 2017 – 93 POINTS / ****
Wild yeast fermentation with 60% whole-cluster and co-fermented with 7% grüner veltliner. An intriguing syrah, with sweet fruitness restrained by grainy, drying tannins. Quite an edgy wine with floral, violet, pepper, blackberry and raspberry flavours. A little closed right now but with promising potential 21/8/2019 Drink 2019 to 2025 (#6 of 22 2017 Syrah from Hawkes Bay)