27-Jul-2017
The ‘Loveblock’ label of Erica and Kim Crawford was created after the hugely successful ‘Kim Crawford’ brand was sold to Canadian giant Vincor in 2003, and is now under the Constellation Brands umbrella. Loveblock marks a return to hands-on winegrowing for the Crawfords, who personally oversee the process from vine to bottle and beyond. Loveblock Farm is located in the Lower Dashwood area of the Awatere Valley, and is composed of two parts, firstly the ‘Hillside’ with 72 ha, planted to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, along with smaller amounts of Pinot Blanc, Tempranillo, Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Muscat and Riesling, and secondly the ‘Woolshed’ with 11 ha of Sauvignon Blanc, with the ‘Triangle’ with 1.6 ha of Pinot Gris. Growing organically since 2008, Loveblock gained BioGro organic certification in 2012. In addition to the Marlborough holdings are 9 ha of Pinot Noir on Bendigo Loop Road, this being called "Someone’s Darling”.
Sauvignon Blanc has always been a significant variety for the Crawfords, and it remains the case at Loveblock. The 2016 vintage was particularly successful in the Awatere Valley, and Erica Crawford believes that 2016 fruit from the ‘Woolshed’ block is probably the best they have grown since they first bought the land in 2002. Here, I review the 2016 Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It should keep well and develop greater richness. www.loveblockwine.com
