Saint Clair Marlborough Barrique Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Saint Clair Marlborough Barrique Sauvignon Blanc 2020

A rich, perfumed wine showing complex aromas of
gooseberry and vanilla pod combined with notes of wild
flowers, butterscotch and a hint of gunflint.
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 2020 vintage saw less than ideal flowering conditions, which led to below average
yields. Despite this, the fruit quality was exceptional, displaying incredible varietal
character and depth of flavour.
Vineyard
The grapes come from three rows of vines in one of Saint Clair’s best vineyards in the
lower Wairau subregion of Marlborough. The vineyard soils are nutrient rich and free
draining. The maritime climate and close proximity to the sea create a high diurnal
temperature difference resulting in a long ripening period, concentrating the fruit
flavours, while retaining refreshing acidity. The fruit is left to hang a week longer than
the fruit for Saint Clair’s traditional Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are hand-harvested,
with only the highest quality bunches being selected.
Winemaking
The grapes were whole bunch pressed, briefly settled then racked into seasoned
French oak barriques. The juice was inoculated with a selected yeasts. Post
fermentation, the wine was aged on its lees for nine months, with twice weekly barrel
stirring where it underwent spontaneous malolactic conversion. Each barrel was tasted
regularly by the winemaking team and only the very best and most interesting barrels
were selected for the final blend. The wine was lightly fined and filtered prior to bottling.
Tasting Note
Complex aromas of green coffee bean, vanilla pod and maple syrup are
complemented by notes of wild flowers, crushed herbs and a hint of gunflint. The
palate is rich and unctuous with delicious layers of ripe papaya, nectarine, cocoa
powder and toasted hazelnut.
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc 100%
Winemaker: Matt Thomson &
Hamish Clark
Region: Marlborough
Subregion: Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Alcohol: 12.5%