Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago 2020 750 ML

This vintage of Pinot—which sees 10% of fruit from the estate block in Marlborough—is a richer, less-vibrant bottling than past vintages. It's quite reductive to start, blanketed in barnyard, mocha and mushroom notes that distract from the concentrated, plump fruit. The palate is tightly structured with chalky textured, drying tannins. It takes plenty of time aerating in glass to harmonize them with the plush fruit, and a charred, campfire note is a bit distracting.\n Producer Information\n Loveblock is a New Zealand wine producer with vineyards in both the Marlborough and Central Otago wine regions. It was founded in 2012 by Kim and Erica Crawford, who had previously created and sold one of New Zealand's largest wine brands, Kim Crawford. The Loveblock estate vineyard is located in the Marlborough sub-region of Awatere Valley. Here, a north facing aspect maximises the sunshine exposure to encourage ripening of the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling. The company also owns the 9ha (22acre) Someone's Darling vineyard in Central Otago, which is planted mostly to Pinot Noir in a variety of different clones. Beyond the familiar varieties, Loveblock has explored grapes which are not as common in New Zealand and makes wine from Gewürztraminer, Moscato and Chenin Blanc. In the winery, only certified organic products including yeasts and fining agents are employed to ensure that portfolio exhibits the terroir from which the grapes are sourced. Loveblock was officially established in 2012 after the end of a restraint-of-trade agreement, which had prevented Crawford from producing wine for a number of years following the sale of his eponymous brand.