Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine

Saint Clair 2008 Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Gewurztraminer

There are no guesses as to why Saint Clair has decided to call this pioneer block Lone Gum. The vineyard with the gum tree on it is situated south of the small township of Renwick on Dog Point Road in Marlborough. The vines are situated on free draining alluvial soils, and the site tends to be slightly warmer than most of Marlborough.

The vines had early bud-bursts, which allowed for a long ripening period. The increased hang time increases the intensity of aroma and gives a rich weight to the palate. The fruit had no botrytis influence and was carefully monitored during ripening. It was harvested in the cool of the evening at maximum flavour maturity and physiological ripeness.

At the winery, the fruit was crushed and allowed to have several hours of skin contact at cool temperatures to extract the full compliment of flavours, phenolics and aromas. Following the settling period, the clear juice was racked with a portion of the light fluffy lees and fermented using selected yeasts in 100% stainless steel at cool temperatures.

I found the 2008 Saint Clair Lone Gum Gewurztraminer to have wonderful aromas of rose Turkish delight, spices and spring blossom with a hint of crisp apple. On the palate, I found the wine to have a oily texture and complex flavours of Turkish delight, lychees, cinnamon and hints of stonefruit. It has a long lingering finish and is drinking well now. I would expect it to also drink well over at least the next two years.

I would personally recommend this wine with lightly spiced Asian cuisine. Alternatively you could try it with smoked salmon or with a range of cheeses.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (21/2/2011)

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