Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Pinot Noir 2023

Tasting Notes Colour:

Deep garnet. Aroma:

Fresh ripe blueberries and spice with toasted oak notes. Palate:

Rich and concentrated, displaying dark berry flavours combined with aromatic violet and spices. A complex and full bodied wine with a silky structure and toasted oak notes on the lingering finish. Ageing:

Perfect for drinking immediately this wine will continue to develop for another five years from vintage date or beyond. Winemaking and Viticulture Winemaker:

Kyle Thompson Region:

Omaka Valley which is part of the Southern Valleys sub-region of Marlborough. Terroir:

Soil: Compact, clay-rich, vigour moderating soils

Topography: Flat within a small open valley.

Climate: A warm site with higher temperature days and cooler nights than average in Marlborough. Regional characteristics and contribution to uniqueness of flavours:

The vines are planted in the Omaka Valley which consists of clay-rich, compact soil. This terroir is conducive to growing top quality Pinot Noir as it achieves good fruit tannin development and concentrated flavours. Winemaking:

When the fruit had reached full physiological ripeness and maximum flavour maturity it was harvested. At the winery the fruit was cold soaked for five days prior to fermentation to help extract maximum flavor and colour. The two Dijon clones 114 and 667 were fermented separately and during the peak of fermentation the tanks were plunged up to eight times in a 24 hour period. At dryness the wine was pressed to tank then racked off gross lees to a mixture of 21 per cent new French oak and older seasoned 225 litre French oak barriques.
During maturation for nine months, the barrels were regularly tasted until the right balance was achieved. Throughout this period, the young wine completed malolactic fermentation. The wine was then carefully extracted from oak, blended and prepared for bottling. Viticulture:

Sourced predominantly from a vineyard in the heart of the Omaka Valley. The fruit was carefully monitored during ripening and harvested in the cool of the evening at maximum flavour maturity and physiological ripeness. This is a blend of Dijon clone 114 and Dijon clone 667. Wine Analysis Wine Analysis:

Alcohol 12.5% v/v

Acidity 5.6g/litre

pH 3.49

Vegetarian Friendly Food Match Our Food Match Recommendation:

Ideally matched with mustard and herb crusted rack of lamb with seasonal roasted vegetables. Tasting Notes PDF to open the 2023 tasting notes as a PDF.
Previous Vintages Tasting Notes:

2020 - 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Awards & Accolades

Gold Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show 2022

Gold Medal - Marlborough Wine Show 2021