Review by
Michael Cooper
Wine writer·New Zealand Listener·
2 Jul, 2026 06:00 PM3 mins to read
Michael Cooper has 45 wine books and several literary awards to his credit. In the 2004 New Year Honours, Michael was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
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Fromm Winery was founded near Renwick, in the heart of the Wairau Valley in 1992. Photo / Getty Images
One of Marlborough’s most highly regarded and distinctive vineyards is for sale on a “lock, stock and barrel” basis. Fromm Winery was founded near Renwick, in the heart of the Wairau Valley in 1992 by fourth-generation Swiss winegrower Georg Fromm and his wife, Ruth.
Today, the certified organic producer
is owned principally by the Lenzinger and Walliser families, also based in Switzerland. But as property broker Mike Proff puts it, it’s time for a “changing of the guard”.
Arrestingly rich pinot noirs and delicate, sweet rieslings are among Fromm’s top achievements. But a recent tasting also revealed pinot gris, rosé, malbec and syrah of standout quality.
Fromm Riesling Spätlese 2025
★★★★★
This highly refined, low-alcohol style has gentle sweetness and mouthwatering acidity. Its vibrant, youthful, lemony, appley flavours are beautifully poised, delicate and sustained. Already delicious, it should be at its best 2030+. (7% alc/vol) $29
Fromm Marlborough Rosé 2025
★★★★★
Pink-hued, this mouthfilling, fresh and lively rosé is based on syrah, with pinot noir and malbec in the blend. It has strong strawberry, peach, watermelon and spice flavours, appetising acidity and a bone-dry finish. Excellent drinking during 2026-27. (13% alc/vol) $28
Fromm Pinot Noir Fromm Vineyard
★★★★★
In the Fromm Vineyard, pinot noir is close planted in alluvial topsoils overlying layers of clay and free-draining gravels. Ruby hued, it is mouthfilling, savoury and sweet fruited, with gentle acidity and concentrated, cherryish, spicy, nutty flavours showing excellent complexity. A “masculine” style (meaning sturdy and firmly structured), it’s currently approaching its peak; drink now-2030. (14% alc/vol) $65
Fromm Marlborough Malbec 2022
★★★★★
Dark and purple flushed, this attractive red was estate grown and barrel aged for 18 months. Full bodied and vibrantly fruity, it has generous, plummy, berryish, distinctly spicy flavours, savoury notes adding complexity and finely balanced tannins. Currently delicious, it’s ageworthy, too. (13.5% alc/vol) $45
Fromm Syrah Fromm Vineyard 2020
★★★★★
This very elegant red is rare – only four barrels were made. Dark and youthful in colour, with a fragrant, still-fresh bouquet and mouthfilling body, it has strong, vibrant, plum and black pepper flavours, earthy and savoury notes adding complexity and a finely poised, harmonious, lingering finish. Best drinking 2028+. (13% alc/vol) $105
Wine of the week
Fromm Marlborough Pinot Gris 2024
★★★★★
This highly individual wine was fermented and aged in tanks and old oak casks. Full bodied, it has concentrated, peachy, spicy flavours, showing considerable complexity, and a dry, lingering finish. Full of youthful vigour, it offers excellent drinking now-2030. (13.5% alc/vol) $29
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