Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a distinguished offering from the renowned Saint Clair Family Estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. Established by Neal and Judy Ibbotson in 1994, the estate boasts six vineyard sites across Marlborough, including the Wairau Valley, where this wine's grapes flourish. Benefiting from the region's cool, dry climate and sustainable farming practices, these vineyards yield top-quality fruit, meticulously selected and fermented separately to offer winemakers ample blending options. The Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, crafted from grapes grown in the lower Wairau Valley, showcases the unique maritime influences and nutrient-rich soils of the region. With warm days and cool nights, the grapes achieve optimal ripeness while retaining vibrant acidity. The winemaking process focuses on preserving the purity of fruit flavors, employing direct pressing and cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The result is a wine brimming with concentrated aromas and flavors, epitomizing Marlborough's signature Sauvignon Blanc style.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
The Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a remarkable wine that showcases the best of Marlborough, New Zealand.On the nose, this wine offers intense aromas of tropical fruits such as passionfruit, guava, and pineapple, accompanied by zesty citrus notes of grapefruit and lime. These enticing aromatics are further enhanced by hints of fresh herbs and a subtle mineral undertone.
The palate of the Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is equally impressive. It displays a perfect balance between the vibrant acidity and the luscious fruit flavors. The tropical fruit notes continue to dominate, with passionfruit and guava taking the lead, while the citrus elements provide a refreshing zestiness. There is also a delightful herbaceous quality that adds complexity to the wine, along with a distinct flinty minerality that adds depth and elegance.
The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of tropical fruits and a crisp, clean acidity. This wine is best enjoyed chilled and pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes, particularly shellfish and grilled fish. It also complements fresh salads and goat cheese-based appetizers.
EXPERT RATING
4.3
DRINKING WINDOW
Now
Profile
Sweetness:
Dry
Dry
Lusciously Sweet
Alcohol:
Moderate
Non-Alcoholic
Very High
Intensity:
Pronounced
Subtle
Powerful
Body:
Generous
Light Bodied
Full Bodied
Acidity:
Vibrant
Soft
Crisp
Tannin:
No tannin
No Tannin
Grippy
GRAPES (1)
Sauvignon Blanc
ORIGINS
Winery: Saint Clair
Region: Marlborough
Marlborough is a wine region located in the northeast corner of New Zealand's South Island. It is the country's largest and most important wine-producing region, accounting for over 75% of the nation's total wine production. With its unique combination of geography, climate, and soil, Marlborough has become a world-renowned producer of high-quality wines.
Marlborough's wine industry began in the 1970s, when the first vineyards were planted in the region. Since then, the region has seen tremendous growth, with the number of vineyards increasing from just a handful in the 1970s to over 600 today. Marlborough's wines have become increasingly popular around the world, and the region now produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.