Abundant praise and high scores are starting to flow in for our newly released Blank Canvas Escaroth Vineyard and Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noirs from the 2021 vintage.

Renowned New Zealand wine critic Michael Cooper awarded both wines 5 star reviews, emphasising that the two wines made for an 'engrossing contrast'. Meanwhile, Aotearoa's only Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas, also savoured both wines giving both an 'Outstanding' rating with a slight preference given to the Escaroth Vineyard Pinot Noir at 96 points while the Anthem Vineyard received 95 points. 

In international quarters, Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl's comprehensive exploration of Central Otago Pinot Noirs saw her recommend the Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir as one of her top wines in her Decanter report receiving 94 points and in the company of the region's iconic producers. 

Full reviews and scores below: 

Blank Canvas Escaroth Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 

5 STARS "The very youthful 2021 vintage (*****) was hand-harvested from 20-year-old, unirrigated vines on a north-facing clay slope at Taylor Pass, in the Southern Valleys, matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (35 per cent new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered.  From an ultra low-cropping harvest (3.3 tonnes/ha), it is deeply coloured, mouthfilling, sweet-fruited and savoury, with highly concentrated cherry, plum and spice flavours, and good tannin backbone.  A more 'masculine' style than its Anthem Vineyard stablemate of the same vintage, it should be very long-lived; best drinking 2027+." Michael Cooper, July 2024

96 POINTS - OUTSTANDING "Immediately complex with a bouquet of depth and intrigue, softness and floral highlights, there’s personality and prettiness then scents of earth and dried clay minerality, red berry fruits and a fine dried herb quality. There is oak too with a seam of baking spices and savoury complexity framing the core aromas. Delicious on the palate with an abundance of fine needle-point tannins, plenty of acidity and a core of red berry fruit flavours - from mangosteen to plum to cherry. Then, a light leather and tea quality with a fine savoury layer. Well made, youthful, delicious now and will be so through 2033+." Cameron Douglas MS, July 2024

Blank Canvas Anthem Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021 

5 STARS "Showing distinct Gibbston sub-regional characteristics, the perfumed, elegant, supple 2021 vintage (*****) is a single-vineyard red, hand-picked from 21-year-old vines.  Matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (35 per cent new), it was bottled unfined and unfiltered.  Deep ruby, it is mouthfilling, vibrant and savoury, with fresh acidity and deep, ripe cherry, plum, spice and herb flavours, that build to a long, harmonious, finely structured finish.  A youthful, vigorous, multi-faceted wine, it should break into full stride from 2026 onwards." Michael Cooper, July 2024

95 POINTS - OUTSTANDING "The bouquet is both vibrant and pure, a core of plush, ripe red berry fruit scents and flavours are held in place with tannins and acidity showing their own energy and power. As the wine touches the palate the tannins show their muscle first with a savoury dried herb layer yet long in focus, and easily absorbed by the fruit flavours. Dark cherry and red currant flavours, some plum and raspberry. The oak delivers complexity and baking spice flavours, a touch of smoke and frames the wine well. Youthful, complex and lengthy with best drinking likely from 2027 through 2037." Cameron Douglas MS

94 POINTS "The vividly aromatic notes of Morello cherry, suffused with the gorgeous pepperiness of rain-wet briar hedges, immediately signal the poise and red-fruited nature of Gibbston. The fruit is ripe, absolutely juicy but remains wonderfully translucent, with every berry and cherry nuance, every shimmer of spiciness, highlighted by brilliant acidity and supported by silk chiffon tannins. The inclusion of 50% whole bunches in the ferment and masterfully integrated use of low-toasted oak only help to heighten the delicacy of this Pinot." Anne Krebiehl MW, Decanter 29 July 2024 'Exploring the terroir and stylistic evolution of Central Otago Pinot Noir'