Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards in the valley in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. They own 160 hectares of vineyard in 10 different Marlborough locations chosen specifically for the attributes of their individual “terroir” and ability to produce top quality grapes. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive expertise in viticulture with the talent of one of New Zealand’s leading winemaking teams. The vines are sustainably cultivated and the estate holds the Sustainable Wines of New Zealand certification. Since 1994, when wines from the first vintage all won medals including gold, the name Saint Clair has been synonymous with quality and its award-winning record continues today. This is a sentiment shared by Bob Campbell MW, who says “Saint Clair now makes the country’s and perhaps the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc”.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
In 2001, Saint Clair introduced a ‘grading system’ for each of its vineyards and marks them out of 10 for quality each year. This provides valuable information in terms of which vineyards provide the best fruit and which varieties produce the best quality within each of the vineyards. The grading system is also used extensively as a management tool for identifying and improving best vineyard practices. The vineyards are carefully managed, using a sustainable approach with minimal use of vineyard sprays, maintaining an open canopy with good light and airflow, leaf plucking, fruit and shoot thinning and selection.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The fruit was harvested in the cool of the night in order to retain freshness and capture the fruit flavours. The grapes spent only a few hours on skins to extract the delicate flavour, aroma and colour and were then carefully pressed. After settling, the juice was fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to retain the pure fruit flavours and freshness. The wine was then stabilised and prepared for bottling.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Watermelon blush with a medley of fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas with a hint of vanilla cream. Refreshing and plush on the palate, with ripe orchard fruits, juicy pear, red berries and just a hint of cinnamon spice.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Gris 93%, Pinot Noir 6%, Malbec 1%.