Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir 2019
A deep ruby colour showboats this wine with it's complex aromas of black cherry and heady perfumed violets. Game or Lamb dishes with mushrooms make perfect table mates for this concentrated and strong flavoured Pinot Noir. The black cherry aromas flow into it's favour and mix with blackcurrant, blueberry and layers of black olive and dark chocolate. But the flavours of this wine don't stop there, a fresh coffee and vanilla pod endnote seem to linger in the mouth and may be as a result of the vineyards tight cropping and small bunching berries.
Winery Information
The Saint Clair Family Estate was first settled by the Sinclair family. One of the estate's pioneers, James Sinclair, is closely associated with the founding of the town of Blenheim. Neal and Judy Ibbotson have owned the estate since 1978, transofrming it from a vineyard to a full wine making facility and joining the ranks of Marlborough winemakers to produce fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and other premium wines. The very first vintage from Saint Clair Wines won awards upon its release in 1994. Saint Clair's sustainable approach to winemaking involves open canopy with good light and airflow, minimal use of sprays to control pests, and care given to individual vines to encourage good production. For instance, the vineyard employs leaf plucking and thinning of fruits and shoots. They also encourage selection without cultivation as another of their sustainsble practices. They have been using a grading system since 2001 as a management tool and for assessing the quality of each vineyard's wine batches.
Vinification
Each batch is racked off its gross lees to a mixture of new and old French oak followed by 10 months ageing on lees.
Tasting Note
A lush, full-bodied Pinot Noir with well integrated tannins and lovely freshness. Ripe cherry and plum dominate the palate, supported by subtle hints of rich coffee. 100 % new and used French oak lends elegance, structural support and savoury smoky notes.
Everyday Serving Suggestion
Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir is best with fillet steak and seasonal vegetables.
Awards
Silver (Decanter World Wine Awards 2010)
Country / Region / Appellation
NZ / Marlborough / Marlborough
Winemaker
Hamish Clark
Additional Resources:
http://www.saintclair.co.nz/