Come Right

It's interesting how one's perspective can change on a wine with time. More often than not, for the better, when emotions and strong ideas have settled down. The holistic viewpoint is seen to be the best, and focussing on parts and aspects can be negative.

The 2005 Man O' War 'Valhalla' Chardonnay was all out of sorts on release. Ungainly and four-square. The oak was too prominent. But then just opened now, it was all together and complete. A bit of an old-fashioned, solid number, but actually really satisfying. Sure it was solid and stolid, and too oaky, but it worked, having come right!

Larry McKenna will admit in a weak moment that his 2006 Escarpment 'Hinemoa' LH Riesling is not as good as he would have liked. Rain at end of harvest diluted the wine in his opinion. He might even be a little embarrassed if it was served on the dinner table if he was there. But I've always liked it. It had elegance and all the right flavours. Lightness of feet. But on opening now, it has just put on the little bit more to tip it over the edge of elegance into decadence. If it wasn't right before, it has come right now...