Loveblock, Pinot Gris, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2018

Kim Crawford and his wife Erica created their own family estate in Lower Dashwood: 72ha in all, on the hills overlooking the Awatere Valley. The northerly aspect gives ideal sun exposure, while strong winds keep disease at bay and encourage slow vine growth and small berries with high aromatic concentration. From the Woolshed vineyard, planted in 2003 at the bottom of the hill, on soils of silt over stones with clay providing essential water retention in fairly harsh conditions. Fragrant, open nose, very inviting leafy green freshness, dry with 7.1g/l residual sugar. Juicy fruit palate, subtle pear and peach fruit with a note of green peas and garden herbs, all fresh and invigorating. Not complex perhaps, but this is well made and nicely balanced to leave you wanting more, on its own or with light starters. Vegan-friendly.