The 2006 Fromm Vineyard Pinot Noir has a deeper, more broody nose with more tertiary notes coming through, dark berried fruits, then some spice: nutmeg and a touch of ginger. The palate is medium-bodied, more disjointed and introspective than either the Brancott or Clayvin, but it will coalesce in time. Slight chalky texture coming through from the middle with dark berried fruits, a touch of ginger and white pepper on the aftertaste. Certainly an interesting Pinot Noir that merits cellaring. This was my first visit to Fromm, whose winery is based just outside Blenheim. Winemaker Hatsch Kalberer is a charismatic figure: utterly obsessed with wine and an open-minded view to what constitutes a great one. Importer: Empson, USA Ltd., Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-9099; fax (703) 684-2065

Starts off with a bold blast of Maraschino cherry fruit, backstopped by hints of oaky spice and vanilla. It’s medium in body, structured around silky tannins that frame flavors of cherries, button mushrooms and just enough cedary oak. Drink now–2015.——J.C.(3/1/2009)—— 88