Saint Clair – Riesling, ‘Origin’ – 2020

PRODUCER NOTE:
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”.

VINTAGE:
The quality of fruit from the 2020 harvest was exceptional. A large stretch of classic stunning Marlborough sunshine, with virtually no rain, hence no disease, ensured the berries reached their full physiological ripeness. Warm weather during November and early December 2019, meant flowering was excellent, leading to average yields for the season. March produced ideal growing conditions with true Marlborough style of warm days and cool nights; the latter producing fruit with the characteristic refreshing acidity. 2020 produced average yields of high quality fruit.

VINEYARD:
The grapes were harvested from a single vineyard in Marlborough’s Blind River area of the Awatere Valley. The Blind River area is building a very good reputation for its ability to produce wines with concentrated citrus expression. The climate for this area is typically very dry. The grapes were harvested at the peak of flavour development in the cool of the evening.

WINEMAKING:
The parcel of fruit was fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and intensity of fruit flavour and varietal characteristics. After fermentation it was carefully prepared for bottling, with minimal handling.

TASTING NOTE:
Fragrant notes of Kaffir lime and mandarin are layered with hints of orange blossom and beeswax. On the palate, distinct minerality and fresh citrus flavours of juicy mandarin, lead to a crisp mid-palate with delicate sweetness and a smooth, off-dry finish.

GRAPE:
Riesling 100%.

COUNTRY:
New Zealand

REGION:
Marlborough

SUB-REGION:
Marlborough