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. 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:
The fruit for Saint Clair Godfrey’s Creek Noble Reserve Riesling is grown in the heart of the Marlborough Valley. The vineyard is situated on the Wairau Valley floor, where it experiences early morning dew and light afternoon breezes; a successful combination in the production of Noble Riesling. Select grape bunches were left to hang on the vine until late in the season, promoting raisining and botrytis. The grapes were hand harvested once the desired level of sugar had been reached. This wine is only made in vintages when the season facilitates the extra hanging time required for the growth of botrytis on the grapes. The vineyard is cultivated according to sustainable practices and is accredited to Sustainable Wine growing New Zealand.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were whole bunch pressed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, with a specially selected yeast strain. Fermentation was arrested at the point where the residual sugar was in perfect balance with the natural acidity. The wine was aged in stainless steel to retain the purity of fruit.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
A deliciously complex dessert wine, rich layers of honeycomb, dried apricot and fig. Luscious and silky, with dried papaya and savoury ginger, with an intense and generous finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Riesling 100%.