2022 Corofin Chardonnay, Marlborough

Quite saline, with a little fino sherry (or sake) nuttiness, slight struck match, nectarine and grapefruit, with some seaweed, sweet spices and chamomile. It’s tight and juicy, pink grapefruit and stone fruit, plenty of chalk and chew to texture, nutty and almond milky, with a bright core of citrus acidity and a bright finish of excellent length and zing. Lovely wine. Distinctive and individual.

93 points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au 

Organic. This is the second release under Corofin’s newly minted ‘regional’ label―you could consider these the estate’s village-level wines. Don’t let that fool you; there’s outstanding material in these wines. This year, the blend comprises fruit from two of the Brancott Valley’s premier vineyards, Wrekin (55%) and Folium (45%). Planted by Fromm in 1996, Folium Vineyard is an organically tended site on Southern Valley clay (around 1.5 metres deep with gravelly silt on top). The site is dry-grown, and Corofin works with just five rows―a total of 1,200 vines. Wrekin Vineyard is a small, organic-certified (BioGro), biodynamically farmed site at the top of the Brancott Valley. 

Wrekin was picked on 19th March, and Folium followed three days later. All the fruit was pressed gently as bunches and transferred to seasoned puncheons and two stainless-steel barrels for fermentation and malolactic conversion. After 12 months, the wine was transferred to tank for a further eight months’ maturation before being bottled without fining or filtration. 

Corofin Chardonnay from Marlborough is an elegant, terroir-driven wine crafted by winemaker Mike Paterson, who is celebrated for his dedication to expressing the unique qualities of Marlborough’s vineyards through minimal intervention. Sourced from select single vineyards in the Southern Valleys, this Chardonnay reflects the cool climate and mineral-rich soils of the region, producing a wine that is both vibrant and complex.

On the nose, this Chardonnay presents fresh aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, with subtle hints of almond, flint, and white flowers. The palate is beautifully balanced, with flavors of citrus, pear, and a touch of hazelnut, complemented by a lively acidity and a mineral backbone. The wine finishes with a clean, refreshing minerality and a hint of creamy texture from restrained oak aging, giving it both elegance and depth.

Ideal for pairing with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pastas, or soft cheeses, this Chardonnay’s structure and vibrancy make it versatile and food-friendly. It also has the potential to age gracefully, developing additional layers of complexity over time.