Grasshopper Rock - a single vineyard dedicated to Pinot Noir
Planted in 2003, Grasshopper Rock is one of the world's southern most vineyards, dedicated exclusively to Central Otago Pinot Noir.
The vineyard is on Earnscleugh Road, across the Clutha River from Alexandra. The site enjoys high sunshine hours and very cool night time temperatures. With extremes of heat and cold comes the risk of spring and autumn frost, providing a demanding but rewarding environment for the production of premium pinot noir.
Grasshopper Rock takes it name from an endangered grasshopper, Sigaus childi, found near the vineyard.
"Grasshopper Rock produces one of Central Otago’s most consistently top pinot noirs" Bob Campbell MW
Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir
Bob Campbell MW
95/100
Grasshopper Rock, Earnsleugh Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2019.
Bright, fresh pinot with vibrant black cherry, violet, fresh herb, oyster shell and subtle spicy oak flavours supported by fine, bright tannins that give the wine energy and the flavours a gentle launching pad. Appealing wine that is deliciously accessible now but no rush. May 2023 Drink 2023–2035
Michael Cooper
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grasshopper Rock, Earnsleugh Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2019
Hand-harvested from vines planted in 2003, the 2019 vintage (5*) was matured for 10 months in French oak barriques (28 per cent new). Deep, bright ruby, it is a powerful young red, mouthfilling, with concentrated cherry, plum and spice flavours, vibrant and savoury. Best cellared to 2024 onwards, it is likely to be long-lived. NZ Wine Buyer's Guide.
Cameron Douglas MS
95/100
Grasshopper Rock, Earnsleugh Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2019
Youthful and engaging bouquet with a fine savoury scent and core of ripe red cherry fruits, some light red raspberry flesh and minerality suggesting crumbled earth and stone. Even better on the palate with a vibrant texture from tannins and acidity and fruit flavours that coat the palate. Complex, dry, lengthy and well made. A wine still developing with primary fruits at the forefront of flavour then layers of oak and toasty wood spice attributes. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035. I tried this wine over 3 days and more than a little impressed with its stability, core attributes and complexity. May 2023
News
Grasshopper Rock, Earnscleugh Vineyard, Central Otago Pinot Noir is classified as one on New Zealand's top pinot noir in The Real Review Classification of New Zealand and Australian wine. Read our blog for more on this great accolade.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
Pursuant to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, Grasshopper Rock Wine Partnership (known as Grasshopper Rock) operates under Off-licence 67/OFF/10/2023 and expires 15 February 2026 unless extended for a further period. The licence can be viewed here