Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine
 

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 2007 Twin Hills Chardonnay

Saint Clair’s Twin Hills vineyard is situated in the Omaka Valley of Marlborough, between twin hills. The clone of chardonnay grape that they use originated from Burgundy. It might seem a strange mix to some, growing Chardonnay grapes originating from a French province known for its red wine in a New Zealand wine growing region known for its Sauvignon Blanc but the results speak for themselves.

The soil of the Omaka Valley and particularly on the Twin Hills vineyard tends to be clay based. The vineyard itself has quite compact soils and flat topography within a small open valley. It is a warmer site with warmer days and cooler nights than average in Marlborough. The clay soils and temperature variation throughout the day contributes to the intensity of flavours found in the wine.

The fruit was carefully monitored during ripening and when it was deemed to have reached optimum ripeness was hand harvested. Once at the winery, the fruit was whole bunch pressed to ensure the best fruit flavours were preserved. Forty percent of the juice was wild fermented, while the majority was inoculated with selected yeasts after settling. The wine was fermented in 60% new and 40% seasoned French Oak barrels. It then went through malolactic fermentation, followed by two months aging on yeast lees with regular stirring before being carefully blended, stabilised and prepared for bottling.

The resulting pale gold coloured Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Chardonnay of 2007 vintage to me has aromas reminiscent of tropical fruits, peach and a touch of spice. I found this wine to have an elegant, fruit driven style. The tropical fruit flavours blend well with the biscuity notes of the oak and the underlying mineral characters. It has a lingering and appealing finish.

This wine is drinking well now and I would also expect it to mature and mellow over the next five years when cellared well. It is a wine that would go well with a risotto dish or a seafood salad.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (7/8/2009)
 

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