GOLD Medal Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2011

Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, New Zealand, first planting vineyards in the valley’s unique climate and soils in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Estate in 1994.They own and developed 100 hectares of vineyards in six different Marlborough locations chosen specifically for the attributes of their individual locations and ability to produce top quality grapes. Their wines received immediate success with three medals from three wines in their first competition.

Premium quality grapes, produced from vines that are now fully mature, combined with the proven experience of winemaker Matt Thomson, produce elegant, world class wines.

Grapes:     100% Chardonnay grapes from 2 of Saint Clair’s vineyards.

Alc/vol       13.5%

Colour:      Pale gold

Serve:       A perfect food white wine, it may be enjoyed with seafood with cream-based sauces, dishes with nutty flavours or mild coconut curries.

Taste:       A medium bodied Chardonnay with satisfying flavours of stone fruit and grapefruit with underlying nutty, spicy oak notes, and a hint of fig. The palate is bright and elegant, youthful and creamy with a soft acidity that leads to a lingering finish.