Corofin stands out as one of the most captivating wine ventures in Marlborough, New Zealand. Co-founded by Mike and Anna Paterson, the project aims to present the Marlborough narrative through the lens of organically farmed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from various unique terroirs.
Their inaugural vintage was in 2012, and since then, the Patersons have expanded their vineyards. Mike emphasizes the importance of picking fruit at the right time, noting that many winemakers regret delaying harvest until uniform ripeness—often leading to overripe grapes. By handling small quantities of fruit, they’re able to harvest at the ideal moment, thereby showcasing the vibrant character of their wines.
As the Marlborough wine scene matures, there is a growing trend towards single-site wines, which Mike sees as a way to identify the region’s premier vineyards—similar to the concept of Grand Crus in Burgundy. He believes collaboration among winemakers can highlight the quality of these sites.
Mike expresses a strong affinity for Chardonnay, pointing out that it offers more flexibility for winemakers to influence the end product. He opts not to use battonage but does introduce sulfites prior to bottling to enhance the wine’s longevity and freshness.
Recent releases from Corofin, tasted in January 2025, demonstrate their ongoing journey toward greater precision and distinction. In 2021, they introduced a blend called Corofin Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, combining their organic vineyard sources to ensure consistency and quality, especially in variable years.
The Wines
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Corofin Brawn Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 (12.5% alcohol): A classy offering with notes of toast, nut, broad peach, and melon fruit, balanced by crystalline finesse and a hint of saltiness. Rating: 95/100.
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Corofin The Wrekin Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 (13% alcohol): Concentrated yet fine, displaying crystalline citrus, lime, lemon, and grapefruit with complexity and freshness. Rating: 96/100.
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Corofin Pinot Noir 2023 (13% alcohol, organic): Featuring sweet cherry and plum fruit with a savory, mineral edge, this wine is balanced and elegant with a spicy finish. Rating: 93/100.
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Corofin The Wrekin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 (13% alcohol): Floral and fresh, this wine has sappy red cherry fruit and a silky texture, showcasing finesse and elegance. Rating: 95/100.
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Corofin Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 (13% alcohol): This south-facing vineyard offers sweet cherry and berry fruit, with a hint of liquorice and a structured yet fresh profile. Rating: 95/100.
The Corofin team continues to push the boundaries of Marlborough wines, harnessing the region’s diverse terroirs to create compelling expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
For more details, visit Corofin.