How wines are aged can make a real difference in taste

“A good pal, Donna White, took the time to introduce Loveblock PN 2018, produced of 100 percent PN, from the Someone’s Darling Vineyard. Regulars know I’m a pushover for romantic names, especially since Barb’s bday is Valentine’s Day. This year my Darlin and I unblocked the love with a bottle of this 92-point, under $28 bottle from Central Otago, New Zealand. Crimson with purple highlights, opens to black cherries, mushroom, violets and smoky barrel spice notes. Palate followed nose with cherries and plums, appropriate tannins and possibly tobacco. For avid readers, check out WS 93 points, WE 90 and SPW 95 reviews. One might think their reviews described three separate wines. Tip of the McD hat to Kim Crawford for this lovely, fairly priced production and for Erica’s holiday season notes. And especially to Donna for introducing me to a terrific Pinot Noir. This will cellar 10 years.”

Read the full article here.

John McDonald, Cape Gazette (March 2020)