Kim Crawford's new Organic Venture - Loveblock

Recently I was lucky enough to be invited to an exclusive gathering at the Auckland home of Kim and Erica Crawford, for the launch of their new Loveblock label.  Kim’s previous label, Kim Crawford has been absorbed by USA’s massive Constellation Brands wine company (which also owns Nobilo NZ).

The new venture is a labour of love for Kim and Erica, with Kim returning to his winemaking roots and also taking up organic viticulture for the first time.  Says Kim,” My aim is to deliver to you, in the bottle, what the grapevine produces. It’s not up to me to be so presumptuous as to what the soil says is right.”  To that end, Loveblock wines incorporate organic and stringent biodynamic winegrowing practices.

Kim Crawford

 

Loveblock Farm comprises 73 northerly hectares overlooking Marlborough’s Awatere Valley.  Also a further eight hectares have been purchased in Central Otago’s Bendigo region – named the Someone’s Darling vineyard.

The Marlborough vineyard produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chenin Blanc, plus a few unusual varieties such as Tempranillo, Gewürztraminer, Muscato and Saint Laurent.  The Someone’s Darling vineyard is dedicated solely to Pinot Noir.

Distribution is almost exclusively in the USA though Terlato Wines International.  Wine doyen, Anthony Terlato was in New Zealand for the launch and I had the privilege of interviewing him the day before.   

Tony Terlato

Tony Terlato is called ‘the Father of Pinot Grigio’ for introducing Italian Pinot Gris to the American market in 1979.  He is very impressed with the Loveblock range and will be importing Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. 

 

 

Loveblock Pinot Gris 2011 $23.95
Flora aromas with a delightful soft palate of poached pear, quince and a hint of Turkish delight.

Loveblock Gewürztraminer 2011 $23.95  
A medium sweet style with flavours of melon and spicy ginger cake, but with a clean slightly crisp finish.

Loveblock Bone Dry Riesling 2011 $23.95
A tiny 1.4 gram per litre of residual sugar (compare that to a can of Coke at 150 g/L).  Yet, surprisingly soft on the palate, with flavours and aromas of apple sauce, lime and honey.  Clean, dry finish.

Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $23.95
Crisp and racy typical Marlborough style, with flavours of stone fruit, fig and tomato leaf. 

Loveblock Pinot Noir 2011 $33.95
My personal favourite out (of a great line-up).  Smoky spice aromas, with a glorious ripe, full palate of summer red fruits, with black cherry and mushroomy savoury hints. 

Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine Tours in Auckland.

Join Phil on Facebook- search: Auckland Fine Wine and Food Tours