2021 Corofin Wrekin Vineyard Pinot Noir, Marlborough

Such a pure and lovely expression of Pinot Noir. Cherry, red fruit, quite some floral perfume, slight biscuit spice, sweet tobacco and liquorice root. It’s medium-bodied, fresh red fruit of quiet succulence, a light stony pumice stone grip to tannin, subtle blood orange tang and a few dried herbs, with a fine chalk dust finish of excellent length. Wonderful.

95 points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au

Organic. Planted in 2002, Wrekin Vineyard is a small, organically certified (BioGro) and biodynamically farmed site at the top of the Brancott Valley, almost in its own locality. It’s a great new site for Corofin, providing both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of “exceptional individuality and quality”, according to Mike Paterson. Owned by Jan and Andrew Johns and farmed by Jeremy Highland, Wrekin sits in the lee of the Southern Valley scarps on clay-rich soils laid over greywacke mother rock. Orientated northeast and planted at 4000 vines per hectare (to moderate vigour), it’s also one of the highest vineyards in the valley, producing fruit that is often the last to be harvested.

This is Corofin’s third Wrekin Pinot, and it’s easy to see why this 14-hectare vineyard is fast becoming a significant site in the Marlborough landscape. Referencing the cool location and late ripening here, Paterson notes: “Having Pinot on the vine for as long as possible without compromising the integrity of site expression always produces the best results.” The 2022 season put an end to a string of drought-like seasons in Marlborough and heralded a return to decent yields―that said, the Patersons’ block was kept to a Grand Cru Burgundy-like level of 35hl/ha. The fruit came off the vine in mid-March and was destemmed to a pair of one-tonne open fermenters. The bottom 10% of the fruit was crushed by foot, with the remaining berries kept intact. Extraction was gentle and occurred once a day. After 21 days, the wine was pressed to seasoned oak for 14 months’ maturation, followed by eight months in tank before bottling without fining or filtration. 

Corofin Wrekin Vineyard Pinot Noir from Marlborough is a beautifully structured, terroir-driven wine crafted to showcase the unique character of the Wrekin Vineyard in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys. Winemaker Mike Paterson of Corofin Wines, known for his minimal intervention approach, allows this single-vineyard Pinot Noir to express the essence of its cool-climate, clay-rich soils, which bring both elegance and intensity to the wine.

The nose opens with vibrant aromas of red cherry, wild raspberry, and cranberry, along with floral notes of rose petal and a touch of earthiness. The palate is medium-bodied and finely layered, featuring flavors of red currant, plum, and subtle spice, with a distinct mineral edge that adds depth. Silky tannins and balanced acidity lend a refined structure, leading to a long, lingering finish with hints of savory herbs and forest floor.

This Pinot Noir pairs exquisitely with dishes like roasted duck, herb-crusted lamb, grilled salmon, and mushroom risotto. Its balance and complexity make it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and for cellaring, where it promises to evolve further.