Saint Clair Block 14 Doctor's Creek Pinot Noir 2011

BRONZE MEDAL - Decanter World Wine Awards 2010 SILVER MEDAL - Liquorland Top 100 2010 Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards in the valley in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Estate in 1994. They own 100 hectares of vineyards in six different Marlborough locations chosen specifically for the attributes of their individual locations and ability to produce top quality grapes. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive viticultural expertise with the talent of one of New Zealand’s leading winemaking teams, led by Matt Thomson and Hamish Clark From 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. Grapes : 100% Pinot Noir Region : New Zealand / Marlborough Maker : Matt Thomson Notes : Luscious with a soft, full palate and flavours of red currant, raspberries and cherries with hints of plums. Ageing in new French oak barrels ahs added warmth to the palate. Serve : This Pioneer Block Pinot Noir is perfectly matched with spring lamb or tuna. ABV : 13.5%

Pinot Noir is New Zealands fastest growing red variety in all markets. Saint Clairs current aim is to win gold medals from this variety. To date silver medals have been awarded in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Cuisine magazine and the Wine Advocate, USA have both also provided excellent quality reviews. Air New Zealand has featured in Business Class both the Saint Clair Omaka Reserve and the Saint Clair Doctors Creek Pinot Noir. The Saint Clair Doctors Creek Reserve Pinot Noir was awarded the highest marks from all judges, and rated Outstanding Value for Money Wine, by Wine NZ team in June/July . This wine is named after the Doctors Creek that runs through the home block vineyard of Saint Clairs owners, Neal and Judy Ibbotson. Vintage: 2007 Grapes: Pinot Noir Colour: Bright ruby red Aroma: Raspberry and plum complemented by lifted floral hints and a touch of spice. Palate: Luscious with a soft, full palate and flavours of red currant, raspberries and cherries with hints of plums. Ageing in new French oak barrels ahs added warmth to the palate. Ageing Potential: Drinking well now or cellar over the next two to five years. Winemaking: The fruit was harvested when it had reached full physiological ripeness and maximum flavour maturity. At the winery, the fruit was held cold for four to five days prior to ferment to help extract maximum flavour and to enhance colour stability. Cultured yeasts were used to ferment the wine, and druing ferment, the must was hand plunged up to six times daily. Once dry, each batch was pressed to tank and then racked off gross lees to 34 per cent new French oak. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged for nine months in barrel before being blended, and carefully prepared for bottling. Viticulture: The fruit was sourced from Saint Clairs own vineyard at Doctros Creek, and blended with a small amount from the Southern Valleys to add complexity. The grapes harvested for this wine are from a mixture of Dijon clones. Wine Analysis: Alcohol 13%, Titratable Acid 5.9g/litre, pH 5.5 Food Suggestions: This Pioneer Block Pinot Noir is perfectly matched with spring lamb or tuna.