The Soulful Mavis Staples and Loveblock 2013 Pinot Noir

This is the second consecutive vintage of Loveblock Pinot Noir 2013 ($37, 14%) that I've received as a sample and this New Zealand wine captivates me. The grapes are grown in Loveblock's high altitude "Someone’s Darling" Vineyard (Central Otago), which owners Erica and Kim Crawford have had accredited with  Sustainable Winegrowing (SWNZ). The wine is powerful, yet classy; exhibits fresh fruit, yet dusty herbs; and finishes with bright acids, yet smooth tannins.  A very complex wine that's a gem to drink. Another gem is R&B gospel singer Mavis Staples.  With each sip of the Loveblock, Staples's soulful, smooth, yet dusty vocals seemed to emanate from the wine, whether the gospel sound of One True Vine or the soulful R&B of Livin' On A High Note. And when the band breaks out the electric guitar and horns while she's singing gospel, that captivates me as well. And by chance Staples is traveling through New Zealand and Australia this spring. Cheers.

Album Review: Amy Speace - How To Sleep In A Stormy Boat

I'm about a year behind this album, but I just got word that Amy Speace is releasing a new deluxe edition of How To Sleep In A Stormy Boat which includes the companion CD, Same Old Storm - for $25. This is a serious compilation - particularly in the songwriting; but also fragile in its composition. Speace has an enchanting voice - Bring Me Back My Heart - and she can delivery it in multiple fashions - folk, celtic, bluesy - all gracefully.  Being a Baltimore native, pair with the elegant Pinot Noir from Elk Run Vineyards. Cheers.