LoveBlock … ‘Nuf Said

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Did you ever do or say something to your significant other that put you in the dog house? If you are like most of us, the answer is a resounding YES. Well, for those of us who have committed that ultimate sin and are looking for something less expensive than a new Lexus to cool a sore temper, may we suggest the ultimate bottle of apology, the wines of LoveBlock.

LoveBlock wines say what you feel with grace and elegance and without the probability of you sticking your foot in your mouth again. For those of us who did not commit such a sin and are in good stead with their significant other, just the label on the bottle alone makes for a great statement of affection. Either way, the LoveBlock wines from New Zealand are not only good wines but make a statement on the label that can put you in very good stead.

Growing fine wine grapes in New Zealand is about as difficult as wine grape growing can be. The average temperature during the growing seasons of the year is a mere 680 F, making New Zealand one of the coldest regions on earth where fine wine grapes can be grown and still result in a respectable wine. The lower temperature prevents the grapes from developing too much sugar which usually results in wines that are flabby and uninteresting. A saving grace is that during the growing season, there is an abundance of sunshine and just the right amount of rain, which makes up for the lower temperatures. What results is that the island nation has proven to be an ideal home for classically styled Savignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio grapes and an up and coming producer of outstanding Pinot Noir wines.

LoveBlock 2012 Pinot Noir ($37). This wine offers everything that makes for a great Pinot Noir; an inviting ruby color, a firm body, a captivating aroma, a definable flavor and a long, enduring finish, all wrapped in a smooth, velvet-like robe. An inviting ruby color beacons for you to take the first sip. That first sip opens a world of fresh and exciting fruit Aromas and flavors cherry followed closly by plum, raspberry and a light sprinkling of oak, all presented in elegant, dignified amounts. The suggestion of oak carries onto the finish where it rounds out a delightful wine drinking experience. There is also a modest tannic background, which will assure that the wine will continue to improve and gain in complexity over many years to come. This wine is a fine accompaniment to the lighter meats and pasta dishes.

LoveBlock 2013 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($26). Marlborough, on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s southern island is the home of what is considered to be the world’s finest Sauvignon Blanc wines of which LoveBlock 2013 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a prime example. This wine presents the pronounced aromas of green olives and lemon, along with notes of pepper and nectarine. The flavor displays notes of gooseberry, pepper, and melon. Riding throughout the flavor, aroma, and finish is the grape varieties signature dry grass aroma. All of these manage to show up in the finish, which is long and luscious, confirming this as an absolutely perfect wine.

2012 Marlborough Pinot Gris ($26). This wine was made by Kim Crawford, one of New Zealand’s top winemakers, from grapes grown in Marlborough. This is a big and full flavored wine whose aroma displays intense ripe pear and honeysuckle aromas with floral notes. The flavor is, to say the least, equally massive for a usually sedate Pinot Grigio. Tropical fruits and ripe melon flavors mingle with those of vanilla and soft oak, which are enhanced by a pronounced acid bite. The finish of this wine is big, fruity, and long lasting. This wine is not a wimp by any means, and like it or not, it makes a loud and clear statement about the true potential of a well-made Pinot Grigio.