Loveblock 2018 Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Expanding his horizons, celebrated New Zealand winemaker Kim Crawford now has a Pinot Noir vineyard in Central Otago. Of course known for his iconic Sauvignon Blanc, when he started his new Loveblock winery with his wife Erica, he knew that making New Zealand's other signature wine, Central Otago Pinot Noir was an absolute must. Acquiring a small vineyard in Bendigo called Someone's Darling with good draining soil and low yields, it's in the warmer part of Central Otago which brings good ripeness and layered flavors. After a five day cold soak fermentation included a twice daily hand punch-down followed by 11 months in oak barrels. This Pinot shows the rich fruit character that the region is famous for as well as the deft hand of an already legendary winemaker.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 90 points saying "While this organically farmed Pinot isn’t as fruit forward as previous vintages, it makes up for it with an abundance of fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary and fennel seeds, with some leafy secondary characters and red-berry fruit in the mix too. Mouthwatering acidity and crunchy fruit are balanced by sandy tannins. Drink this light-bodied bottle a little chilled, with a summer meal seasoned with the same freshly plucked herbs as the nose suggests."

Wine Spectator selected this #46 on their Top 100 Wines of 2019. They scored it 93 points saying "This displays an impressive presence, smooth and succulent, with vibrant cherry, raspberry and apricot notes and touches of white pepper, anise seed and toasted cumin. The texture is smooth, with firm tannins that add an appealing traction on the finish. Drink now through 2033."