Saint Clair Pioneer Snap Block 18 Wairau Sauvignon Blanc 2011

This vineyard was originally an apple orchard growing the variety Snap. The very fertile and free draining soils of this site produce extremely healthy vines. This site produces distinguishing blackcurrant and grapefruit flavours. The fruit was sourced from a single vineyard on the fertile, free-draining soils of Marlborough's lower Wairau region. The fruit was carefully monitored during ripening and harvested in the cool of the evening at maximum flavour maturity and physiological ripeness. Vintage: 2008 Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Wine Maker: Matt Thomson Aroma: Passionfruit, grapefruit and lifted notes of blackcurrant. Palate: The palate is intensely concentrated with fresh passionfruit and blackcurrant. A salty minerality leads to a long and lingering finish. Serve: An ideal match with lightly spiced Thai cuisine or grilled Marlborough salmon with char-grilled vegetables.

GOLD MEDAL - New Zealand Easter Show Wine Awards 2013 GOLD MEDAL - The International Wine Show This is Saint Clair's flagship variety and accounts for over 60% of sales. Saint Clair's aim is to be the best producer of this variety in New Zealand and results over the last two to three vintages would arguably indicate this aim is being achieved on a consistent basis. Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards in the valley's unique climate and soils in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Estate in 1994. Premium quality grapes, produced from vines that are now fully mature, combined with the proven experience of winemaker Matt Thomson, produce elegant, world class wines. This is an outstanding alternative to Cloudy Bay, regarded as having a smoother, fruitier edge. Grapes : 100% Sauvignon Blanc 'Block 18 Snap' Vineyard Region : New Zealand / Marlborough / Lower Wairau area, east of Blenheim. Maker : Matt Thompson. Notes : Passionfruit, grapefruit and lifted notes of blackcurrant , intensely concentrated, salty minerality leads to a long and lingering finish. Serve : An ideal match with lightly spiced Thai cuisine or grilled Marlborough salmon with char-grilled vegetables. ABV : 13.0% Suitable for Vegetarians