2016 Grand Vin Pinot Noir 'Clayvin Vineyard', W&F, Marlborough

I would like to highlight the 2016 vintage of the New Zealand pinot noir from Clayvin Vineyard alongside a spirited endorsement from the French side of my family to whom I'd served the wine during a visit to Champagne. Suffice to say, they were deeply impressed.

The 2016 Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir was also shown at a popular consumer tasting in South Kensington just before Christmas, and was widely acclaimed by the guests.

Here is New Zealand at its very best and 'a serious rival to fine red Burgundy' as described by Jonathan Ray from The Spectator. It has been beautifully aged and with six years in the making, it is now at its peak of maturity and will continue to develop for those of you wanting to hide away a few bottles.

- Johnny Wheeler, Chairman

How does the wine taste?
2016 was a top vintage for the region and this pinot noir is ageing very well. The nose already offers hints of the secondary, earthy, forest-floor aromas which pinot-lovers relish. The palate initially presents a delicate medley of red berry fruit, progressing to a velvety and smooth herbaceous character. The tannins are exceptionally fine and lead to a very complex and lengthy finish.

What do the critics say?

Reviews of the previous vintage;
"Clayvin Vineyard Grand Vin Pinot Noir is the current release from Wheeler & Fromm in Marlborough, NZ, and a serious rival to fine red Burgundy. It's soft, smooth and elegant with dark, plummy fruit and just a hint of seductive earthiness."
Jonathan Ray, The Spectator

"Whilst most New Zealand producers of Pinot Noir seek to impress with the fruit of their latest vintage, Clayvins single vineyard wines are meant to age. A recent tasting proved that at 5 -10 years they are truly remarkable."
Steven Spurrier (Decanter Magazine)

"One of Marlboroughs first hillside vineyards, Clayvin has produced a superb string of wines over many years." - Bob Campbell MW (New Zealands leading wine commentator)