Review: Pioneer Block 4 Sawcut Pinot Noir 2008 by Saint Clair Family Estate

An affair to remember.

This year I was seduced by New Zealand wine; captivated by her exciting, world-class Sauvignon Blanc and infatuated by her seductive Pinot Noir. The affair continues.


Saint Clair 2008 Pioneer Block 4 Sawcut Pinot Noir.

The 2008  Pioneer Block 4 Sawcut Pinot Noir is one of my favorite New Zealand wines. This is a premium wine, suitable for celebrating the holidays with friends and family. It is ready to drink now.

Tasting notes:
Color: Deep plum with glossy highlights.
Aroma: Lovely round aromas and flavors.
Palate: Blackberry, cherry, graphite, pine needles, mint, smooth, with light tannin. Balanced. A bit of zest kept this wine interesting. Wow, what a beautiful example of New Zealand Pinot Noir. It showed so well on opening, that I recommend drinking now. It held up over two days, but was most delicious on day one. Open, pour and enjoy, there's no need to decant this wine. This Pinot Noir hit all my buttons, the first words in my head were "Pow, Bang, Zoom!" Strongly Recommended.

Food pairing:
This wine deserves to be shared with slow-cooked, tender meat. My wife makes a delicious prime rib roast for Christmas dinner, go easy on the garlic and you will be very pleased. Other suggestions include: filet mignon, leg of lamb and roast turkey. A properly prepared duck would be appropriate as well. The pleasure of this wine was enhanced by my new Riedel XL Pinot Noir glass. This glass has a wonderful shape for holding, swirling, smelling and savoring Pinot Noir. Recommended.

Vineyard: Sawcut, Block 4
Closure: Screwcap
ABV: 13.5%
Winemaker: Matt Thomson
Suggested retail price: $30
Sample provided by: Winesellers, LTD 

Vineyard notes:
The Sawcut vineyard is named after the Sawcut Gorge, about 8km up the Ure Valley. The Ure Valley is about 40 km south of Blenheim. The valley is noted for its high limestone content. Grapes are from the Dijon clones 667, 777 and 115.

Contact Details:
Saint Clair Family Estate Cellar Door & Café
Corner of Rapaura & Selmes Roads
Blenheim, Marlborough, NZ
Email: cellardoor@saintclair.co.nz
Phone: 03 570 5280

Connect Details:
Web http://www.saintclair.co.nz/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/saintclairfamilyestate
Twitter www.twitter.com/saintclairwine

Cellar Door Hours: Open 7 days per week from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
The Cellar Door & Café is CLOSED on the following public holidays: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning.

Cheers!