SILVER MEDAL - Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2011

A full-bodied and rich Chardonnay from New Zealand with complex stonefruit flavours and a touch of spice supported by underlying savoury oak notes and subtle yeast autolysis characters.

Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, 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

Colour:    Light gold

Aroma:    An intense, deliciously complex nose displaying aromas of white peach and honeysuckle with subtle oak and savoury bacon notes.

Palate:     The hotter weather in January and February contributed toward flavours tending towards the riper spectrum. This is a full-bodied and rich Chardonnay with complex stonefruit flavours and a touch of white spice supported by underlying savoury oak notes and subtle yeast autolysis characters. The palate is elegant and full with firm acidity that leads to a warm lingering finish.  

Ageing:   Perfect for drinking immediately. This Chardonnay will also develop well in the bottle for up to four years from vintage date.

Serve:     Perfect with seafood with rich cream based sauces or roast chicken. For a speciality cheese match try Parmesan, Aged Cheddar or Aged Gouda. 

Wine Analysis:

Alcohol   14.5%

Titratable Acid   6.3g/litre

pH          3.56