Loveblock New Zealand Wines

Valentines Day is rapidly approaching and with it the inevitable problem of what to get for the one you love. It does not taker too much guessing to figure out what we are going to recommend; but of course wine. Champagne or sparkling wines are the usual accompaniment with the “I love you” gift but what about a still wine from New Zealand that boldly says it all on the label; LoveBlock.

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 68°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 often results in wines that are weak 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 2015 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($23.99). Marlborough, on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s southern island, is the wine grape growing closest to the South Pole so growing grapes there is truly a challenge. It is however, also the home of what is considered to be the world’s finest Sauvignon Blanc wines of which LoveBlock 2015 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. This delightful wine is ideal as an accompaniment for oriental foods as well as sea foods and shell fish or as an aperitif. We enjoyed the LoveBlock 2015 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and we are sure that you will too.

LoveBlock 2013 Marlborough Pinot Gris ($25.99). This can best be described as truly lovely (please pardon the pun) wine. The LoveBlock 2014 Marlborough Pinot Gris is more a masterpiece than a wine as it draws the best of the possible flavors and aromas out of the very heart of the grape. The 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.

LoveBlock 2013 Marlborough Pinot Noir ($37). The LoveBlock vintners show their ability to tame this very difficult variety with this wine. The ruby color cradles the aroma of dark cherries with the sensation of oak in the background. There is also plenty fruit here, and in all of its glories, cherry, plum, raspberry and a light sprinkling of oak, but in elegant, dignified amounts. The suggestion of oak carries into the finish where it rounds out a delightful wine drinking experience. There is also a modest tannin background, assuring that this will be a wine of not only quality but intensity also. This wine is a fine accompaniment to the almost of the popular meat, pasta and even those formidable cheese dishes. This gem from New Zealand presents the softness and smoothness of a classical Pinot Noir and will, by its quality, show the depth of your affection.