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.
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.
The Loveblock wines from New Zealand 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.
Growing fine wine grapes in New Zealand is about as difficult as growing wine grapes can be. The average temperature during the growing seasons of the year is in the 60s, 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 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 the island nation proves itself as an ideal home for classically styled savignon blanc and pinot Grigio grapes and an up-and-coming producer of pinot noir wines.
Loveblock 2012 Pinot Noir ($37) This wine has the makings for a great pinot noir: an inviting ruby color, a firm body, a captivating aroma, a definable flavor and an enduring finish, all wrapped in a smooth robe.
The first sip opens a world of fresh and exciting fruit aromas and flavors - cherry followed closely by plum, raspberry and a light sprinkling of oak, all presented in 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 the wine will continue to improve and gain in complexity over many years to come. This wine is a fine accompaniment to lighter meats and pasta dishes.
Loveblock 2013 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($26)Marlborough, on the northeastern coast of New Zealand's southern island, is home to what is considered to be the world's finest sauvignon blanc grapes.
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 variety’ signature dry grass aroma. All of these manage to show up in the finish, which is long and luscious.
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 full-flavored wine with an aroma displaying intense ripe pear and honeysuckle 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 and fruity.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and manages ArticlesOnWine.com. He can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.[[In-content Ad]]
