EASTHOPE

WINEGROWERS

PRESS REVIEWS

 
THE GATECRASHER 2008

Yvonne Lorkin
Classic Hits Wine Guru . 'What's Hot' 10 December 2010

"Limited to just 1500 bottles, this is sauvignon blanc but not as we know it. Created by the Easthope's, one of the hardest working young couples in the wine industry today – it is cut down to one bunch per shoot, fermented using indigenous yeasts in older oak barrels. It smells of wet stones, white pepper, lime and white flowers. Clean, dry, mineral notes and has gorgeous wild-mint characters which I can't get enough of. Think of this not as a sauvignon blanc, but as an amazing white wine. "

Sourgrapes.ie
An excellent review from Ireland of the 2008 Gatecrasher. July 2011. 
 

THE GATECRASHER 2007

Michael Cooper
The Listener/Wine   -   18 April 2009

Rod Easthope, a senior winemaker for Craggy Range, who focuses on Hawke's Bay wines, recently launched his own label. Grown in the Dartmoor Valley and barrel-fermented, Easthope The Gatecrasher Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (****1/2, $56.25) is ambitiously priced, but fleshy, concentrated and complex, with strong, ripe, tropical fruit flavours and a nutty, toasty, honeyed richness.
 

Yvonne-Marie Lorkin
Hawke's Bay Today - 3 January 2009/48 Hours

***** At this price you'd be expecting something sensational and you'd absolutely get it. There is nothing like this on the market right now - it's crazy sauvignon blanc that's been crafted by Craggy Range's red winemaker Rod Easthope from his tiny Dartmoor Valley vineyard. It's got an amazing deep, brooding toastiness combined with hay and dried herbs. Minute quantities are available so if you think you're remotely adventurous then this is one wine your cellar definitely needs.

Jo Burzynska
The New Zealand Herald - 24 September 2008/Viva

With the goal to move away from stereotypical styles and create an ultra premium sauvignon, Craggy Range winemaker Rod Easthope has this first white release from his own label with the detail usually reserved for icon reds. The result is a powerful textural wine with notes of flint, stone fruit and sage, plus spice and toastiness from its time in old barrels.

 
THE CENTREFOLD 2006

The Wine Gang, UK
March 2009
Score: 92/100

Cranberry, cherry and a hint of rose on this bright nose wake-up aroma. The palate is wonderfully fresh Pinot with a satisfyingly crunchy acidity and delightful finesse. Long lasting, pure and polished Pinot.