Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 "Foundation Block" Sauvignon Blanc

This is an intense and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc with vibrant herbaceous and mineral flavours finishing on a note of grapefruit and green apple.

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 led by Hamish Clark.

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”.

Vineyard

This vineyard site has been the foundation for some of Saint Clair’s finest wines. This is the vineyard where Saint Clair Family Estate first discovered the fruit to make their flagship Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is sourced from a single vineyard in the lower Wairau Valley. The Block One site was previously part of the Wairau flood plain and is renowned for its deep, highly fertile, free-draining soils, which have been built up over time and help to produce the intensity of flavour in the resulting wine. The vineyard has a flat profile and is situated approximately three metres above sea level. It is now protected from flooding by a stop bank. Located in a slightly cooler site than the majority of the Marlborough Valley, the vines have a slower annual ripening period. The fruit is carefully monitored during the ripening stage and is harvested during the cooler evenings, at maximum flavour maturity and physiological ripeness.

Winemaking

The grapes were pressed immediately after harvest to minimise skin contact and to preserve the quality of the juice. Once settled, the must was fermented in stainless steel using a selected yeast strain. The fermentation took place at cool temperatures to retain the fruit flavours and aromatic freshness. This batch was selected as a Pioneer Block wine due to its opulence and intensity of flavour.

Tasting Note

A powerful and intense wine with an aromatic nose of white currant and fragrant tropical fruit with a hint of cut grass. Luscious ripe grapefruit and green guava flavours envelop the palate, which has a chalky texture. A refreshing and beautifully balanced Sauvignon Blanc with a long, lingering finish.

Serving Suggestion

A great match with smoked salmon or steamed green-lipped mussels.

Grape

Sauvignon Blanc 100%