The Clayvin Vineyard in Marlborough’s Brancott Valley was established in 1991. It takes its unique name from the clay-based soils that lies beneath the vineyard. The complex clay profile varies across the vineyard, allowing a number of different varieties to be grown. The clay soil and the high-density plantings (1.5-meter vine spacing) on north-facing slopes restrict vine vigour, giving the Pinot Noir from here a richness and generosity. Frost and poor weather during flowering dramatically reduced the size of the 2003 harvest to half the previous year’s crop. Rain events at harvest also caused issues.
A deep ruby red colour in the glass, with no signs of colour change (although this was in a magnum format) due to age. The nose is a little subdued – from opening through to tasting several hours later, and it is isn’t brimming with Pinot varietal typicity. Plum, strawberry, bramble and cherry fruit with a little earthy, umami on the nose. The palate is well-balanced with nothing too dominant, where acidity is still bright and the tannins are beautifully supple and fine. ‘Smooth’ is a word that sums this up, and it is to be commended to be in such good shape after 23 years…but. I’d hoped for more personality, and whilst I have nothing bad to say about it, it didn’t fill me with joy either. 88pts
