2022 Corofin Pinot Noir, Marlborough

A little bit of charcoal reduction, cherry, raspberry, spice, peanut shells and dried herb. It’s medium-bodied, crisp and vibrant, strawberry and red cherry, a little bit sappy with a slight tamarillo tang, fine dusty peppery tannin, with a brisk cranberry accented finish of good length. Nice wine. Kind of frisky, but lively and good.

92 points,Gary Walsh winefront.com.au

Corofin’s regional wines made their debut last year, and a fine debut it was. Rather than casting the net wide to unknown and unproven sources, Mike Paterson composes these wines from his most prized vineyards―the sites responsible for his exceptional single-vineyard bottlings. This year’s release combines fruit from three sites in three valleys: Wrekin in Brancott Valley (45%), Settlement in Omaka Valley (45%) and Churton in Waihopai Valley (10%). Paterson loves the combination of the Wrekin and Settlement sites, finding harmony in the elegant, red-fruited suppleness of Settlement and the brooding, savoury weight of Wrekin. It’s a match made in Marlborough, with Churton bumping up the structure and spice. 

Settlement and Wrekin came off the vine on 17th and 19th March respectively, with Churton following a few days later on 29th. All the fruit was destemmed to a tank that was sealed for five days, after which the fruit was punched down. Fermentation lasted 10 more days. After 19 to 22 days, the wines were pressed to seasoned French barrels for 13 months’ maturation, followed by a further five months in tank before bottling without fining or filtration.

Corofin Pinot Noir from Marlborough is a captivating cool-climate wine crafted with precision and elegance by winemaker Mike Paterson, who specializes in small-batch, terroir-driven wines. Sourcing from select vineyards in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough, Corofin Wines focuses on minimal intervention to allow the unique character of each site to shine through. This Pinot Noir is a beautiful expression of the region, with its cool nights and well-drained clay soils that bring both freshness and complexity to the wine.

On the nose, this Pinot Noir offers vibrant aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and dark plum, layered with floral notes of violet and a touch of spice. Hints of earthy forest floor and a subtle smokiness add further depth. The palate is medium-bodied and finely structured, showcasing flavors of red and dark berries, soft tannins, and a bright acidity that provides lift. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a hint of minerality and savory herbs.

Perfect for pairing with roasted duck, lamb, mushroom risotto, or charcuterie, this Pinot Noir’s balanced structure and complexity make it an excellent choice for food pairings and cellaring alike.