Fromm Pinot Noir 2017
Marlborough as a region is obviously first and foremost renowned for their Sauvignon Blanc, one of the last 20 years biggest hits. The geographical region has exploded to keep up with the international demand, but at the heart of the original area we at Hard to Find Wines are lucky to have long standing connections with vineyards of Bladen and Fromm located in Renwick on the outskirts of Blenheim.
The Fromm Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 has now been ageing in our stores for over 3 years. This wine is their go to Pinot Noir, still with only a couple of hundred cases produced each year but in larger quantities than their tiny block Pinot production of only a few barrels. As the wine flows into the glass the colour is immediately reminiscent of something more old world, slightly opaque with a rich garnet hue. The nose after a few swirls in the glass is immediately open with a warming blueberry and raspberry aroma. Not overpowering but with a decent full profile.
On first taste you are immediately hit by the supple smoothness. Beautifully rounded with an elegant tannin structure followed up with soft red fruits and hints of vanilla and possibly even a touch of spice. As from the best Pinot’s there is a delicate mid palate and a gentle lingering to follow all not all that long. Unlike Central Otago Pinot from NZ this is far less pronounced, which for me makes this a wine perfect for a drinking window of 5-10 years but probably not with the longevity of it’s Otagan brothers which can reach into the decades. The overriding qualities are of a more balanced Pinot, very much red soft fruits and very little heavier elements and certainly no bracing tannins when drinking at this age.
I am a fan, I love the approachability this wine offers at this fairly young age with plenty of subtle nuances and softness without being washed out. It will without question continue to develop and has further potential but in my opinion is good to go from now in 2023 probably until the end of the decade. Into the 2030’s is possibly a risk, but who knows, maybe put a bottle or two to one side to find out just how far this wine can go! Open up a bottle now though and you won’t be disappointed.
MD 94/100
