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Saint Clair 2010 Marlborough Pinot Noir
 Saint Clair Family Estate is recognised internationally as one of the top Sauvignon Blanc producers in New Zealand and the world. However it is also fast growing a reputation of also producing world class, trophy winning Pinot Noir and with winter just around the corner, I have this week selected one of their Pinot Noirs.
At this point you might have expected that I might have selected a Pioneer Block Pinot Noir this week, but Saint Clair do not just produce quality wines from single vineyards, as their records show. It is no wonder therefore that they are the 2010 Winestate Winery of the Year.
The fruit for this particular Pinot Noir was sourced from a number of specially chosen low-cropping vineyards from several sub-regions across Marlborough. Of note, these sub-regions included the Omaka Valley, and the mouth of the Waihopai Valley.
As the fruit neared harvest, constant analysis and tasting of each block ensured that the fruit was picked when the flavours were at their optimum. Once harvested, the fruit was then held cold for five days prior to ferment.
Winemaker, Matt Thomson used cultured yeasts for the primary alcoholic fermentation. During this time, the must was also hand plunged six times a day, then eight times a day during the height of ferment.
Once dry, each batch was pressed to tank, settled and then racked off gross lees to stainless steel tanks or a mix of old and new seasoned French Oak barriques. There the wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation before being blended and prepared for bottling.
I found the deep, dark, red Saint Clair 2010 Marlborough Pinot Noir to have a wonderful bouquet of ripe fruits, especially Cherry and Black Currant, with underlying notes of Vanilla. On the Palate, I found the same black cherry notes combining well with those of Black Currant and red plum. Also present in this well-balanced, elegant and full wine were underlying savoury notes and powered tannins. The finish is long and lingering. In all, it is easy to see why Saint Clair has a growing reputation in producing this variety.
I would recommend trying this wine with your favourite cut of lamb.
For something different you could also try it with authentic
Spaghetti Bolognaise, as I did last Sunday. While this wine is
drinking beautifully now, it has the potential to mature into a more
complex and fuller wine over the next five years.
Reviewed by Stephen Clark (28/3/2011)
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