Saint Clair Origin Pinot Noir 2022

Region and Vineyards

The wine hails from Marlborough's Southern Valleys, a series of north-facing slopes and gullies stretching inland from the Wairau Plain. Here, clay-rich subsoils retain precious moisture, moderating vigour and producing naturally small bunches packed with flavour. Warm daytime sunshine promotes full phenolic ripeness, yet cooling evening breezes drop temperatures sharply, locking in vital acidity and perfume.

Fruit is drawn from several meticulously managed blocks, each low-cropped and hand-tended to ensure even ripening. Precision canopy work maximises sunlight on bunches while maintaining dappled shade to protect delicate skins. The resulting grapes deliver an enticing balance of ripe berry intensity, lifted aromatics and refined structure that is emblematic of this distinctive sub-region.

Winemaking

Individual parcels were hand-picked at dawn, then chilled and held in open fermenters for a five-day cold soak to heighten colour and aromatic complexity. Fermentation commenced with selected Burgundian yeasts; the cap was hand-plunged up to eight times daily at peak activity, carefully building velvet-textured tannins without harsh extraction.

Post-ferment, wines were pressed to a mix of seasoned and approximately 15 % new French oak barriques plus stainless-steel cuve for ten months élevage. Full malolactic conversion softened acidity and layered subtle mocha and smoke nuances. Final blending prioritised purity and poise; the cuvée was lightly fined, filtered and bottled to capture its vibrant, fruit-forward personality.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Clear garnet with youthful ruby flashes.
• Aroma: Savoury black cherry, cranberry compote and dried thyme over hints of forest floor and gentle vanilla toast.
• Palate: Medium-bodied, juicy red-berry core framed by fine, powdery tannins; a thread of spice and cedar leads to a lingering, toasty finish.

Did you know?

Saint Clair Family Estate, founded by Neal and Judy Ibbotson in 1978, takes its name from early settler James Sinclair, owner of the original property in the 1850s. Today the winery champions detailed single-vineyard sourcing, winning more New Zealand wine trophies over the past two decades than any of its peers.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Rosemary-crusted lamb rack - herbaceous notes echo the wine's thyme nuance, while supple tannins match the tender meat.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze - sweet-tart fruit mirrors the Pinot's berry profile and bright acidity.
• Porcini mushroom risotto - earthiness resonates with subtle savoury tones; creamy texture cushions the wine's freshness.
• Beetroot and goat-cheese salad - vibrant acidity cuts through the cheese, and beetroot sweetness highlights red-fruit flavours.

History of Saint Clair

Saint Clair Family Estate was founded in 1994 by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, Marlborough viticulture pioneers who had been growing grapes in the region since 1978. Initially supplying fruit to other producers, they eventually decided to create their own label to craft wines that fully reflected the potential of their meticulously managed vineyards.

The estate was named "Saint Clair" after the original name given to the property by one of Marlborough's earliest European settlers. The winery quickly gained international acclaim, especially for its Sauvignon Blancs, and helped elevate Marlborough's global reputation in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Today, Saint Clair remains family-owned and operated, with Neal Ibbotson still actively involved. Winemaker Kyle Thompson, with over two decades of experience, leads the cellar, focusing on purity, precision, and site expression across all varieties.

Saint Clair was one of the first New Zealand wineries to adopt a parcel-specific vinification strategy, isolating distinct vineyard sites and bottling them individually under the "Pioneer Block" label. This philosophy of terroir differentiation has become a hallmark of the estate's style.

Region and Vineyards

Saint Clair's vineyard holdings and grower partnerships span across Marlborough's diverse subregions: the Wairau Valley, Awatere Valley, and Southern Valleys, with select sites in Hawke's Bay for Syrah and Bordeaux varieties.

In Marlborough, the estate's sites range from the cooler, wind-influenced Awatere Valley, known for crisp acidity and herbal notes, to the richer soils of the Southern Valleys, yielding concentration and depth. The Pioneer Block series showcases individual vineyard plots, chosen for their distinctive soil types, microclimates, and varietal expression.

All vineyard practices follow sustainable viticulture, and several blocks are certified under New Zealand's Sustainable Winegrowing programme. The combination of low yields, canopy precision and site specificity results in wines of both intensity and elegance.

Wine Range of Saint Clair

Saint Clair produces a wide portfolio of wines, structured into several quality tiers:

• Vicar's Choice: Fresh, fruit-driven wines offering excellent value, often early-drinking styles.
• Premium Range: Includes varietal classics from Marlborough with generous fruit and texture.
• Pioneer Block: Small-parcel, single-vineyard wines showcasing site specificity and regional nuance.
• Reserve Wines: Flagship bottlings, such as the Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir and Barrique Sauvignon Blanc, selected from the best barrels and blocks each vintage.
• Origin Series: Balanced, versatile wines made with precision and Marlborough typicity in mind.

Saint Clair is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but also excels with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah and sparkling wines, all marked by purity and varietal clarity.

Did you know?

Saint Clair has earned more than 20 trophies and over 500 gold medals internationally, making it one of New Zealand's most awarded wineries. It was also among the first to plant and vinify Syrah in the Gimblett Gravels—a gravelly subregion of Hawke's Bay now considered a New World benchmark for Rhône-style reds.