Pinot Naturel by FROMM 2017

Bob Campbell
90 Points

"Wild yeast fermented without any additives until minimal sulphur was added prior to bottling. Unfined and unfiltered. Juicy wine with plum, cherry and some savoury/herb flavours. A simple, satisfying and easy-drinking pinot at a competitive price."

Raymond Chan
17.5 Points / 20        

"Even ruby-red colour with slight purple hues and some depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is softly fresh with bright, fragrant aromas of dark-red cherry and berry fruit with a deep core of dark-red florals, subtle minerally notes and hints of herbs and lifted confectionary elements. Medium-bodied, the palate has a vibrant, rounded core of dark cherry and raspberry fruit with nuances of red florals in an amalgam of herbs and lifted confectionary notes. The palate has fruit richness and is enlivened by soft acidity. The mouthfeel is supple with gentle structure that allows the fruitiness to prevail. The wine has good presence and some gravitas, and carries to a softly packed, smooth finish. Match with antipasto, tapas, pasta and risotto over the next 2-3 years. This is a soft, supple, smooth and rounded Pinot Noir with aromatic cherry and raspberry fruit with floral, herb and confectionary notes. Mainly clones 2/10, 10/5 and Abel from the ‘Fromm’, ‘Churton’ and ‘Quarters’ vineyards, the fruit hand-picked and pre-macerated with dry ice, and indigenous yeast fermented with 20-25% whole bunches and a high portion of whole berries to13.0% alc., the wine aged 6 months in seasoned 228 piece barrels, and bottled with no fining or filtration and minimally sulphured at bottling." 

Jane Skilton
The Independent Wine Monthly 

"Vivid and crunchy, with blackcurrant and Morello cherry fruit flavours. Acidity is vibrant and edgy, very little tannin but instead an arresting, electric flavour. Not for the long haul but served at cellar temperature it was absolutely perfect on a warm Auckland evening. 

"According to the release notes, this wine was inspired by Marcel Lapierre’s Morgon. Having drunk my fair share of this particular wine, I can attest that while it can be extremely delicious, it is also subject to a fair touch of bottle variation. But as you’d expect from a winery as fastidious as Fromm, its wine was made as naturally as possible save for a touch of sulphur added just prior to bottling, to ensure stability."

"This style of wine when done well, as Fromm’s Pinot Naturel demonstrates admirably, can have just as much interest, sense of place and intrinsic quality as those with more lofty ambition."