Exploring New Zealand Pinot Noir with Loveblock

I love Pinot Noir, but honestly most of the Pinot I drink is from Oregon or California.  I haven't really explored Pinot Noir from New Zealand and I know they are known for it.

I was really glad when a sample of Loveblock Pinot Noir and it was just in time for Valentine's Day.

The Loveblock brand is the re-entrance into the wine industry that Erica and Kim love after selling their own wine brand that carries their name. You know it as Kim Crawford wines.  Now when you think about Kim Crawford, you need to think about love and Loveblock.

This Pinot Noir comes from their vineyard called Someone's Darling located in Central Otago. It's located in one of the warmest winegrowing areas of Central Otago that gives them consistent ripening year after year.  This vineyard grows all Pinot Noir.

The 2012 Loveblock Pinot Noir spent 11 months in older oak barrels. It has a beautiful garnet color and clocks in at 14% alcohol. I found aromas of black raspberry, hints of violets and other black fruit. Lots of red fruit filled the glass. Touches of red raspberry and strawberry with a hint of mushrooms,a touch of oak and soft tannins. The finish was lingering with a slight hint of black pepper.

The SRP on this wine is $37.  Although they suggest this wine can cellar, I would drink it now.