Planted in 1991 at the top of the Brancott Valley, the Clayvin Vineyard was Marlborough’s first significant hillside vineyard. Now owned by the Giesen winemaking family, with Te Whare Ra taking a small amount of the fruit. Wine experts often compare it to a Burgundy Grand Cru site because different winemakers interpret the same prestigious patch of land in their own unique ways. This bottling references its organic certification – SV5096 on the label. I believe this bottling was the very first time that TWR released a Clayvin Pinot Noir.
A dark ruby colour in the glass. A delightful perfume – with good varietal character and lifted, floral-led aromas. Red cherry, strawberry, plum, cinnamon, truffle, sumac and rose petals on the nose. The palate is elegant and fine, with bright energy – not the muscular expression we often see from Clayvin fruit. The fruit, however is plush and silky, framed by a lick of oak and rides on some vibrant acidity. Complex, lengthy and coherent – just excellent. 95pts
