Saint Clair Noble Riesling Godfrey's Creek 2015
The Godfrey's Creek Noble Riesling from Saint Clair wines is a delicious dessert wine with honey, apricot and marmalade notes leading to a wonderful silky finish.
Producer Note - Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards in the valley in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. They own 160 hectares of vineyard in 10 different Marlborough locations chosen specifically for the attributes of their individual "terroir" and ability to produce top quality grapes. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive expertise in viticulture with the talent of one of New Zealand's leading winemaking teams led by Hamish Clark. Since 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. This is a sentiment shared by Bob Campbell MW, who says “Saint Clair now makes the country's and perhaps the world's best Sauvignon Blanc'.
Vintage - The summer of 2015 to 2016 was the driest on record in 86 years, with February also proving to be one of the warmest months on record. Warm days and cool nights during the closing weeks of harvest presented ideal conditions for the grapes to achieve full maturity; resulting in healthy, concentrated berries.
Vineyard - The fruit for Saint Clair Godfrey's Creek Noble Reserve Riesling is grown in the heart of the Marlborough Valley. The vineyard is situated on the Wairau Valley floor, where it experiences early morning dew and light afternoon breezes; a successful combination in the production of Noble Riesling. Select grape bunches were left to hang on the vine until late in the season, promoting raisining and botrytis. The grapes were hand-harvested once the desired level of sugar had been reached. This wine is only made in vintages when the season facilitates the extra hanging time required for the growth of botrytis on the grapes. The vineyard is cultivated according to sustainable practices and is accredited to Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
Winemaking - The grapes were whole bunch pressed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, with a specially selected yeast strain. Fermentation was arrested at the point where the residual sugar was in perfect balance with the natural acidity. The wine was aged in stainless steel to retain the purity of fruit.
Tasting Note - A deliciously complex dessert wine, with a bouquet of poached apricot, candied citrus and white clover honey. Opulent and silky on the palate with rich orange, lemon and cocoa notes leading to a long, smooth finish.
Serving Suggestion - Blue cheese or fruit desserts.
Grape Riesling 100%
Awards Silver, IWC, 2018
Winemaker: Hamish Clark
Region: Marlborough Sub region: Marlborough Country: New Zealand
Alcohol: 10.5%
Dry/Sweet value: 6 (1 is dry, 7 is very sweet)
Residual Sugar: 196
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: No/No
Milk/Eggs: No/No