Review: Saint Clair Marlborough 2009 Pinot Noir

Over the past two months, I've become familiar with Saint Clare Family Estate wines. From their Vicar's Choice wines, their Marlborough wines, Pioneer Block selections to their premium Saint Clair Reserve.

Photo: Bottles of Saint Clair Pinot Noir.

It was my pleasure to enjoy the Saint Clair Marlborough 2009 Pinot Noir. Now that I have a little more New Zealand Pinot Noir experience, gained over the summer, this is what I would call a classic New Zealand Pinot Noir. With gentle oak, spice, dark fruit, violets, I'd describe it as racy and  fruit forward. Indeed, a classic New Zealand Pinot Noir, light of body, with a crisp, fruity finish.

My suggested food pairing is Greek food: a lamb Gyro would be perfect, a Greek salad would work too, my favorite today would have to be grilled lamb chops. This wine is recommended.

ABV: 14%
Closure: Screw cap
Suggested retail price: $22
Imported by: Winesellers LTD, Niles, IL
Sample provided by: Winesellers LTD
Winemaker: Matt Thomson 

Saint Clair produces a number of varietals that are available in four ranges at varying price levels: Vicar's Choice, Saint Clair Premium, Saint Clair Pioneer Block & Saint Clair Reserve. Each of these wines is made with fruit from specific vineyard sites in Marlborough specially selected for their ability to produce wines of uncompromising quality and character.

Saint Clair Marlborough Wines: Only fruit considered to be in the top 1/3 in terms of quality are used in this range. Excellent quaility wines at every price level.

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

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.

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

Enjoy!