Te Whare Ra
SV5096 Clayvin Pinot Noir 2021 750ml

Limited Release

Made from the esteemed Clayvin vineyard, and we have labelled it under our SV5096 designation which recognises its organic certification and its special status as one of our SV wines. We feel very privileged to be allowed to have some fruit from this very special part of Marlborough’s history. The Clayvin Vineyard was first established in 1991 and was the first significant hillside vineyard in Marlborough. It is now under the careful custodianship of the Giesen family and is fully certified organic with BioGro NZ. This SV5096 release will sit alongside our SV5182 wines from our home block to showcase what we can do with Pinot Noir from these two sites. We feel that this 2021 release showcases the best expression of the Clayvin site and the stellar quality of the Pinot Noir from great sites in Marlborough.

Sam Kim 99 Points This is totally seductive on the nose, showing dark cherry, sweet raspberry, rich floral, game and warm spice aromas, followed by a richly textured palate offering exceptional drive and persistency. The oak is discreet and gorgeously infused, combined with layers of polished tannins, making the wine symphonic and seamlessly structured. A profound offering with density and power, yet with no hard edges, finishing magnificently long and flatteringly classy. At its best: 2025 to 2039

Cameron Douglas MS 96 Points Outstanding A bouquet and palate of ripeness and youth with flavours of dark cherry and black raspberry flesh, there’s spiced plums and boysenberry the layers of mineral and earth that can only come from site - a mix of stony dry clay and greywacke. The oak sits nicely just behind these fruit and soil qualities layering in some baking spice and quiet wood smoke complexities. Tannins and acidity are vibrant, polished and refreshing. A wine with class and style, taut and youthful mouthfeel and lengthy persistent flavours. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. A plush, elegant wine.

Bob Campbell MW 96 points Top Rank Fragrantly aromatic pinot with attractive floral, raspberry, cherry, vanilla, and subtle spice flavours. Impressive density, power and length with an attractive core of fruit sweetness. Elegant wine that is delicious to drink now but should develop well with bottle age. 2023–2029

Stephen Wong MW 94 Points Top Rank "A Cru in the Making" Clayvin is one of Marlborough’s most recognised and celebrated vineyards. Over the years, it has been farmed and crafted by several different producers; Fromm, Giesen (who now own it), Tongue in Groove and Te Whare Ra. Anna and Jason Flowerday have a close relationship to these vines and I find Anna’s interpretation of the vineyard fascinating. Unlike their homeblock SV5182 Pinot Noir, which is a delicately perfumed, Chambolle-esque wine, Clayvin really asserts its personality in a contrasting way. Brooding, firm, muscular and and unyielding with a stronger oak signature in its youth, it is a wine which needs considerable patience before it will reveal its treasures. These Clayvin wines will last in your cellar and provide fascinating exploration in a decade if you manage to secure the full set for a comparative tasting! Perfumed floral and blackberry aromas, quite intense spice, probably from a seasoning of whole-bunch. Moments of clarity in the fruit between deep layers of smoky oak. Very brooding and muscular, earthy, black-fruited and tightly closed. There is huge concentration, great intensity of fruit and depth on the full-bodied palate, but it’s in an awkward phase right now where the oak and tannins are clamping down on the finish rather than letting the wine flow. Needs considerable time to meld and relax before it is approachable. This is a wine of power and muscle, rather than elegance and delicacy. (Screwcap) Jan 2024