Novum is a relatively new project coming out of New Zealand that we're very excited about. Having tried these 2019s in early August, we can say that "the Chardonnay has to be the best white wine to come out of Marlborough, ever" (Ian Cook). The Pinot is also of exceptional quality and is, dare we say, quite Burgundian in nature. Details on the producer below, followed by our notes on the wines alongside those from Need Goodwin MW and Bob Campbell MW. - Ches Cook, FWC.
Over the past 18 months, Novum, established by William Hoare and Rachel Jackson Hoare from Marlborough has instantly and energetically set about redefining the world's perception of Marlborough Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As blind tastings invariably challenge our perceptions of the Old World and New World, quality and enjoyment are consistent threads in any tasting.
Novum is a moving tribute to everything that Will and Rachel have learned through their considerable careers to date. Will started as a cellar hand and finished as General Manager and winemaker at Fromm after 19 years. Rachel played with both winemaking and marketing, graduating winemaking at Roseworthy and immediately departing to chase her love of Chardonnay with vintages at Domaine Drouhin in Oregon en route to Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault, before returning to NZ in marketing roles at Cloudy Bay and later, Fromm.
For Will and Rachel, Novum importantly represents a unique opportunity which most aren’t fortunate enough to ever access; to leverage their intimate knowledge of the great vineyards of Marlborough and to find small pockets of really good grapes of any variety and to make many and varied wines that you’d feel confident about sharing with friends. This along with sourcing fruit from family vineyards and planting their own home block allows Novum to always embody the best this incredibly underrated region has to offer.
2019 represents a classic Marlborough vintage; the first that Will and Rachel have forged for Novum. Those who have tried all vintages to date will be staggered by this statement. Bob Campbell MW already considers Novum Chardonnay as the pinnacle of production in Marlborough and the tasting notes and attached reviews from Ned Goodwin MW speak to the calibre of what’s in every bottle. - Adam partington, importer.
Follow the link here to view both Novum Chardonnay and Novum Pinot Noir: