Limited allocations of our 2018 Blank Canvas 'Element' Gimblett Gravels Syrah and 2018 Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Pinot Noir are now available exclusively through our online cellar door. 

The wines both received 96-point scores with the Element Syrah receiving double 96 from Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas and Master of Wine Bob Campbell. Stylistically similar to our 2017 vintage but with a richer, denser framework we are picturing hearty casseroles and the roaring fires as a faultless match this winter. Master of Wine Richard Hemming who tasted this wine blind in a NZ Syrah line up rated it in the top 10 wines tasted sitting among many $100+/bottle heavyweights. His thoughts: "Tasted blind. Potent nose that combines rich red fruit with a reductive flinty note plus loads of peppery fragrance. Powerful on the palate, both in structure and fruit, although there is no excess in evidence, and the finish is refreshing. Stylish and dense, with more complexity surely in store. Drink 2021 - 2028. 17+ POINTS." 

The 2018 Escaroth Pinot Noir also was received well by the critics with 96 points from Cameron Douglas MS and 94 points from Bob Campbell MW. We are extremely confident about this wine's ethereal perfume capturing the hearts and minds of real Pinot fans, along with a bold textural structure that together with its fragrance makes us draw parallels with the magic of Nebbiolo. These scores continue to build the Escaroth Vineyard's pedigree with our debut 2017 release scoring 96 points from Cameron Douglas MS, 95 points from Bob Campbell MW, and 92 points from Nick Stock at JamesSuckling.com. 

The full reviews for both wines are below: 

Accolades

2018 Blank Canvas 'Element' Syrah | Gimblett Gravels | Hawkes Bay

96 Points - Outstanding "This is a single vineyard expression of Syrah, 60% whole cluster and co-fermented with a small portion of Gruner Veltliner skins. Matured for 14 months in new and seasoned French oak.

The resulting wine showcases aromas of spices and black fruits, crushed black currant berries and raspberry, violets, clove and toasty barrel scents. A complex and intriguing bouquet, quite powerful and very youthful. On the palate - delicious! Flavours of black fruits and currants, wild berries and spices from barrel and fruit, licorice and clove, some meat moments, pepper and iron-like stony soil qualities. Complex, lengthy and still rather youthful. Decant for service if you must, but best left till late 2022 then enjoy through 2030+." Cameron Douglas MS

96 Points - 'From the smallest vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels subregion. Co-fermented with 7% grüner veltliner skins for colour stability, complexity of tannin and a spicy, aromatic lift. The wine certainly has a great depth of colour with rich, ripe flavours including Black Doris plum, liquorice, cocoa powder, mocha and a suggestion of violet. A generously proportioned wine with an appealingly supple texture. Should age well' Drink 2021 - 2030 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review 4/3/2021

17+ Points - "Tasted blind. Potent nose that combines rich red fruit with a reductive flinty note plus loads of peppery fragrance. Powerful on the palate, both in structure and fruit, although there is no excess in evidence, and the finish is refreshing. Stylish and dense, with more complexity surely in store." Drink 2021 - 2028 - Richard Hemming MW for JancisRobinson.com Date tasted 2019-12-19 

2018 Blank Canvas 'Escaroth' Pinot Noir | Taylor Pass | Marlborough 

96 Points - Outstanding "A single vineyard expression presenting a complex, pure, intriguing and perfumed bouquet. Light red berry fruits, red apple skin and scents of place with aromas of fine silty clay and sand minerals then complexity from judicious use of oak with light brown kitchen spices followed by aromas of mild toasty barrel and savoury dried herb layer. Equally complex on the palate, tense and youthful with firm textures and velvet mouthfeel from tannins and acidity. Savoury with a core of fruit and flavours that reflect the bouquet. A fine wine with power and finesse, complexity and length. Best drinking from 2022 through 2030." Cameron Douglas MS, 29/04/21

94 Points - 'From the Escaroth vineyard just south of Blenheim. Light in colour but not lacking in charm or power. An elegant wine with cherry, spice, dried herb, bramble and nutty oak flavours. Accessible now but should develop well with bottle age.' Drink 2021 - 2027 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review 21/4/2021