2014 Fromm Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir, Marlborough

Pinot Noir from a distinguished hillside with concentrated cherry, berry and spice flavours supported by classy French oak. Impressive power and purity with exciting cellaring potential. The fruit is supported by reasonably assertive sappy tannins that suggest a whole-bunch component that will contribute toward the wine’s complexity with further bottle age. 14 Jan 2016

96 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com #8 of 134 2014 Pinot Noir from Marlborough

The 2014 Fromm Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir from Marlborough is a benchmark single-vineyard wine, capturing the depth, structure, and refined power of one of New Zealand’s most iconic vineyard sites. The Clayvin Vineyard, first planted in 1991 in the Brancott Valley, is Marlborough’s first certified organic vineyard and a prized source of Pinot Noir with exceptional concentration, fine tannin structure, and age-worthy elegance.

Fromm Winery, established by Georg Fromm and guided by a European sensibility, has long championed low-intervention winemaking, organic viticulture, and terroir transparency. The Clayvin Pinot Noir is a true flagship—crafted from low-yielding vines on north-facing slopes with clay-rich soils that provide natural restraint and serious structure. The 2014 vintage was marked by a warm, dry season, allowing for even ripening and deep flavour development.

In the winery, Fromm uses a minimalist approach—hand harvesting, wild yeast fermentation, gentle extraction, and ageing in French oak (a modest proportion new) for finesse and longevity. No fining or filtration is applied, preserving the wine’s full character.

In the glass, the 2014 Clayvin reveals perfumed aromas of dark cherry, plum skin, forest floor, dried rose and warm spice. The palate is plush yet finely tuned, with layered red and black fruits, silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a savoury, earthy complexity that lingers long. Now with a decade of bottle age, tertiary notes of truffle, tobacco, and spice are beginning to emerge, rounding out its youthful precision with mellow depth.

This is a Pinot Noir of real pedigree—elegant, expressive, and built for cellaring. Pair it with duck confit, roasted mushroom dishes, or aged cheeses for a truly memorable experience.