Grasshopper Rock

AWARDS

Erin Larkin – Robert Parker Wine Advocate RP 95 

The 2022 Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir hails from a warmer than average year. During flowering in December, cloudier and wetter than normal weather caused temperatures to drop, and there was reduced flower germination. Bunches were more open with fewer berries. In the glass, the fruit is supple and bright, with layers of red berries, underpinned by a cherry freshness. I can easily see why these wines will all be consumed in their youth, such is the freshness and detail in the fruit; however, I would strongly recommend that you attempt to exercise some patience with these bottles, as they evolve with wonderful freshness and detail over time. 13.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Mar 24, 2025  Drink 2025-2045

Emma Jenkins MW – Decanter - 94/100

From a single vineyard in Alexandra, one of the world’s most southerly, planted in 2003. Enticing nose, layered and interesting, perfumed with red liquorice, spice, dried herbs and earth. The palate is elegant and firm with fine, silty tannins and a nice herbal (not green) savouriness to offset the core of juicy rich fruit – a hallmark of the sub-region. Supple and harmonious, with a real sense of lightness and grace. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2030. 3 Oct 2024

Cameron Douglas MS 94/100

Great colour intensity with a red and ruby core and light pink hued rim. Aromas of a bright, fresh, youthful and varietal wine with boysenberry and raspberry scents laced with a soft lees and savoury frame, some youthful reduction and barrel spices. Complex and enticing. A dry wine on the palate with lots of tension and poise, plush ripe red berries reflect the bouquet plus plum and rose. Fine tannins and acidity frame the palate nicely, a savoury layer and dried herb. Best drinking from 2027 through 2034+. 22 Jun 2025

Excellent

Tasting notes

A classic Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir with fine silky tannins and elegance along with layers of complexity on a strong backbone. 

Dark purple with garnet hues.

Perfumed with violets, blackberries, strawberry, hints of spice, chocolate and dried herb.

A full silky entry with dark plum, dark cherry, florals and forest floor notes. Concentrated and complex with good minerality, ample fine grained tannins and a persistent finish. Firm acid backbone which melds well with the dark fruit profile.

Vintage

2022 was the most enjoyable harvest for many years with no weather pressure and perfectly clean and ripe Pinot Noir grapes. Everyone is excited about the 2022 vintage.

The vintage was slightly warmer than average. However, as always what really matters is what happens month by month at critical times.

During flowering in December, the weather was cloudier and wetter than normal which caused temperatures to drop and there was less flower germination. The poorer fruit set meant less berries per bunch and more open bunches when it came to ripening which was a good thing. Average bunch weights were marginally lower than average, and the total harvest was down 5-10% on average. March and April were outstanding months of perfect weather for ripening and picking Pinot Noir grapes and I don’t recall such a perfect last 30+ days to harvest. 

Winemaking notes

The fruit was harvested by hand from the 5th – 11th April 2022.  The fruit was destemmed into tanks (6 % was left as whole bunch), to undergo fermentation by a mix of selected and wild yeast with Peak fermentation was 30°C. Total time on skins was approximately 20 days. The wine was aged in French Oak Barriques for approximately 10 months, of which 28% was new oak.