“Grasshopper Rock is a small Central Otago wine producer, who are dedicated exclusively to producing first class, single vineyard Pinot Noir. In establishing the vineyard, they searched for land that would provide the best conditions for consistently producing a premium Pinot Noir in a elegant Central Otago style.”

“The vineyard is situated on Earnscleugh Road, across the Clutha River from Alexandra. The site enjoys high sunshine hours and high mean temperatures and is sufficiently harsh and difficult to make the vines work their hardest. With extremes of heat and cold comes the risk of spring and autumn frosts, providing a demanding but rewarding environment for the production of premium pinot noir.”

From 2006 to 2009 the wines were made by Carol Bunn and then from 2010 by Peter Bartle, with Steve Moffit, Viticulturist & Mike Moffit managing the vineyard. The Grasshopper Rock Pinot has won many awards over the last 3 vintages and deservedly so… Vintage summaries on the website indicate that Grasshopper Rock Pinot is just getting better so watch this space.

Phil Handford who is one member of the five shareholding families and Sales manager sent me up a bottle of the 2011 vintage to taste and enjoy, which we did tonight. Loved it and here’s what I thought.

Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir Otago 2011

Gorgeous bright light cherry in colour – medium bodied, soft berries, cherry and floral notes on the nose, rich fresh fruit-driven palate (but not a fruit bomb) nicely integrated oak giving the wine texture and nice dry tannins, leaving a dry fruity finish that lasts… Final thoughts – an elegant, but still quite young” wine. Thoroughly recommend that you grab a couple (few) and put them away… Look foward to the 2012 & 2013.
A/V 13.6% RRP $330 case of 12 or $27.50 bottle, $195 case of 6 or $32.50 bottle
Buy a 2-bottle gift pack for $75

To find out more and buy this wine online visit their Website, Like their Facebook Page or follow Phil on Twitter…