FROMM Pinot Noir Fromm Vineyard 2016
Bob Campbell
95 Points , 5 Stars
#5 of 98, 2016 Pinot Noir from Marlborough
'Elegant pinot noir with appealing fruit sweetness and an intriguing mix of fruit (plum, dark cherry and blueberry) and savoury (hot earth, pepper, fresh herbs and spicy oak) flavours. A supple wine that can be enjoyed now but will certainly repay those who choose to cellar it."
Raymond Chan
5 Stars, 18.5+/20
"Light ruby-red colour with slight garnet hues, paler on the rim. The nose is softly packed with deep and dense aromas of red cherry and berry fruit entwined with complex dark and dried herb and earthy detail revealing complexing savoury nutty elements. Medium-full bodied, the palate is firmly concentrated with intense and deep flavours of dark-red berry fruit melded with dark and dried herb notes, earth and a little nuttiness. The palate has an array of savoury layers. The fruit is underlined by plenty of grainy-textured tannins lending considerable structure and grip to the mouthfeel. The acidity is soft and integrated. The wine carries with power and drive, leading to a complex detailed, well-structured finish. This is a complex-flavoured Pinot Noir with an array of savoury fruits, herbs and earth, and considerable structure and grip. Serve with casseroles and slow-cooked game meat dishes over the next 6-9 years. Hand-picked fruit, clones 115, 667 and 777 with small amounts of Abel and 5, from the ‘Fromm’ vineyard, Wairau Valley, vines 19-24 y.o., fully destemmed and indigenous yeast fermented with many whole berries to 13.0% alc., the wine spending approx. 3 weeks on skins and aged 16-18 months in 10% new French oak 228 L barrels. Certified BioGro organic. 840 bottles made."
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
96 points, 5 Stars
"Expressing place and precision, this exquisitely styled pinot shows complex notes of black cherry, plum, floral, dark mushroom and roasted nut on the nose with hints of dried herb and anise. The palate delivers gorgeous fruit purity and intensity together with seductive savoury undertones, brilliantly supported by seamlessly woven fine tannins. Lovely flow and presence. Wairau Valley. At its best: 2020 to 2030. "