Fromm, The Curation Pinot Noir, 2020
Fromm, The Curation Pinot Noir, 2020
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
- Organic
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2030
The 2020 Curation Pinot Noir from Fromm is bright, supple, and sophisticated. It opens with lifted aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and a touch of spice, layered with hints of dried herbs and earth. The palate is silky and fine-boned, showing juicy fruit upfront, then tightening into a more savoury, mineral edge that speaks clearly of its Marlborough origins. The tannins are gentle but present, giving the wine shape without weighing it down.
One of New Zealand's rising stars, Fromm Vineyards has built a strong reputation for elegant, site-driven wines since its founding in the 1990s. The estate has always leaned towards organic farming and a hands-off approach in the cellar, letting the vineyards do the talking. The Curation Pinot brings together fruit from their top sites, offering a snapshot of the estate’s style: pure, balanced, and confident.
Currently showing beautifully integrated fruit and earth, this wine is in its prime drinking window with all elements in harmony. Over the next 2-3 years, the primary red fruit will gradually give way to more tertiary complexity, with forest floor and spice becoming more prominent while the silky texture develops additional depth. The wine should maintain its elegance through 2030, though the bright fruit character will slowly fade in favour of savoury complexity. Beyond 2032, it may lose some of its distinctive freshness, though well-stored bottles could surprise with their longevity. The key is that Marlborough Pinot tends to evolve relatively quickly compared to its Burgundian cousins.
What the critics say:
"Gorgeous nose of wild blackberries, raspberries, cloves, sandalwood and bark. Some iodine, too. Sleek and seductive on the palate with very finely integrated tannins. Very attractive saline edge to the wild dark berry fruit. Drink or hold."
"The 2020 The Curation Pinot Noir is concentrated and plummy, with cherry compote, attar, star anise, licorice and forest floor. In the mouth, there is leather and pressed flowers, bramble and exotic spice. It is concentrated and has that magical pull that good Pinot has. Red-apple acidity defines the finish, as do the chalky tannins. There's a little tweak of rusticity in there, which may bloom or may not, but for now, here, today, I do love this wine as it is. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby with garnet highlights, showing excellent clarity and medium intensity.
NoseLifted aromas of wild red cherry and raspberry lead, followed by forest floor, dried herbs, and a distinctive saline quality. There's sandalwood spice and subtle iodine that adds maritime complexity, while clove and bark provide warmth without heaviness.
PalateSilky entry with juicy red fruit that quickly develops savoury complexity. The mid-palate shows leather, pressed flowers, and exotic spice, while chalky tannins provide structure without weight. Red apple acidity keeps everything fresh and focused, with a subtle rusticity that adds character.
FinishLong and mineral-driven with lingering cherry compote and spice, supported by fine-grained tannins.
Overall impressionA sophisticated Pinot that shows Marlborough's potential for elegance and complexity beyond the obvious fruit.
Food Pairings
Marlborough locals would pair this elegant Pinot with the region's abundant seafood, particularly grilled salmon or tuna, where the wine's silky texture complements the fish's richness while its acidity cuts through oils. Wild venison from the surrounding hills makes an excellent match, especially when prepared with native herbs like horopito. The wine's savoury complexity works beautifully with Canterbury lamb, particularly when slow-roasted with rosemary and garlic. For a distinctly Kiwi pairing, try it with green-lipped mussels cooked in white wine and herbs, or with aged local cheeses from nearby Canterbury plains.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 14-16°C to preserve the wine's elegant fruit while allowing its savoury complexity to emerge. No need to decant, though 30 minutes of breathing in the glass will help the aromas open fully. Use a large Burgundy bowl to concentrate the lifted aromatics while providing enough surface area for the wine to develop. If you must decant, keep it brief - 15 minutes maximum to preserve the delicate fruit.
Fromm's vineyards are planted on Marlborough's distinctive stony soils, with free-draining river gravels over clay providing excellent water management. The region's cool maritime climate, moderated by the Cook Strait, creates ideal conditions for Pinot Noir with warm days and cool nights preserving natural acidity. The combination of ancient river terraces and maritime influence produces wines with both concentration and elegance, showing the mineral precision that has made Marlborough Pinot increasingly celebrated. Fromm's best sites benefit from north-facing slopes that maximise sun exposure while the cooling winds maintain freshness.
Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region and has evolved far beyond its Sauvignon Blanc origins to produce increasingly sophisticated Pinot Noir. The region's diverse sub-districts offer everything from the gravelly Wairau Valley to the clay-rich soils of the Southern Valleys, each contributing different characteristics to the region's Pinot portfolio. Unlike Burgundy's strict appellations, Marlborough allows winemakers flexibility to blend across sites, creating wines that capture the region's breadth while maintaining site-specific character. The maritime climate and long growing season provide ideal conditions for slow ripening, resulting in Pinots with both intensity and elegance.
The 2020 vintage in Marlborough unfolded under particularly challenging circumstances, with the global pandemic creating labour shortages just as harvest approached. Mother Nature, meanwhile, delivered a growing season marked by a warm, dry summer that pushed ripening along at a steady clip. The key moment came in late summer when cool nights arrived right on cue, slowing the final ripening phase and allowing the grapes to hold onto their natural acidity whilst developing full flavour development. Harvest kicked off earlier than usual, with most producers picking their Sauvignon Blanc in pristine condition before any autumn weather could interfere.
What emerged from 2020 are Sauvignon Blancs with real presence and depth—wines that combine Marlborough's signature intensity with an almost creamy textural richness that sets them apart from the racier, more linear styles of cooler years. The Pinot Noirs show lovely concentration without heaviness, displaying red berry fruit with enough structure to reward patience. These wines are drinking brilliantly now and will continue to develop until 2026 for the Sauvignon Blancs, whilst the better Pinot Noirs have the backbone to evolve gracefully until 2028.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Silky and sophisticated with red cherry and raspberry fruit, then savoury forest floor, spice, and mineral complexity. It's elegant rather than powerful, with gentle tannins and bright acidity.
When should I drink this wine?
Perfect now through 2032. It's showing beautifully integrated fruit and earth at the moment, and will develop more savoury complexity over the next few years.
What food pairs well with this Pinot Noir?
Excellent with grilled salmon, wild game like venison, or roasted lamb. The wine's elegance also makes it perfect with mushroom dishes or aged hard cheeses.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 14-16°C in large Burgundy glasses. No need to decant, though 30 minutes of breathing will help the aromatics open up.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Yes, but not for too long. It will reward 3-6 years of patience, developing more savoury complexity while maintaining its elegant character. Drink by 2032 for best results.
How does this compare to other Marlborough Pinots?
This represents the sophisticated end of Marlborough Pinot, showing more complexity and age-worthiness than many regional examples. Fromm's organic approach and site selection create wines with genuine personality and structure.
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