Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine
 

Saint Clair 2010 Marlborough Chardonnay

Chardonnay remains a very popular wine for enjoying during summer. The wine I am reviewing this week happens to be an oaked chardonnay from Saint Clair Family Estates. This wine has had a change of label from previous years, as the premium range of Saint Clair wines now all have black labels to show the world its New Zealand identity and to reflect the quality of the wine.

Grapes for this wine were sourced from several quality vineyards throughout the Wairau Valley in Marlborough. These fruit parcels were specifically chosen for their own special characteristics and to add not only complexity but also fullness and balance.

Approximately 50 percent of the chardonnay was fermented in oak and underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel to help soften the acidity and give fullness of palate. The wine was aged for eight months in a combination of French and American oak before being blended and carefully prepared for bottling.

I found the 2010 Saint Clair Marlborough Chardonnay to have delicate aromas of peach and citrus with hints of almond, spice and honeysuckle. On the palate, this medium bodied wine also exhibits flavours of peach, combined with grapefruit. Also present are underlying notes of nuts, savoury oak and spice. It has the wonderfully creamy palate typical of an oaked chardonnay, soft acidity and a long lingering finish.

I would recommend trying this wine with butter chicken or other mildly spiced Asian dishes. It will also go nicely with pan-fried fresh fish, or any other seafood or pasta served with cream based sauces. The Saint Clair 2010 Marlborough Chardonnay is drinking well now, but can be kept for four more years with careful cellaring. During this time it should develop into a fuller, more complex wine.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (26/9/2011)

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