2021 St Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Merlot

95 Points Raymond Chan
In stock
A delicious deal on this serious Gimblett Gravels red. Saint Clair's Plateau vineyard is on the Gravels' stony and free-draining soils, where a beautiful dry warmth produces a Merlot with full ripeness and chocolately dark fruit flavours. Offering aromatic punch along with real depth and balance, this red from a great Hawkes Bay vintage is tasting superb now and will age a while too. For about $20, this deal is a no-brainer for lovers of ripe reds from the Gravels. Grab some!
$19.99 in mixed 6+ or $22.99 per bottle

Grape

Merlot

Its Origins

Saint Clair Family Estate is owned by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, viticulture pioneers in Marlborough since 1978. Grapes were originally supplied to local wine companies; however a desire to extend the quality achieved in the vineyard through to the finished wine led to the establishment of Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. The Saint Clair name originates from the vineyard property, first settled by the Sinclair family. Pioneer James Sinclair built one of the first homes in Blenheim and was closely associated with the early development of the town. Over time the name of the property reverted to the original Saint Clair. Saint Clair has developed six vineyards in different sites in Marlborough, including the Rapaura, Awatere, Waihopai and Omaka Valleys. Only superior fruit from the best locations for each individual variety is selected for the Saint Clair label.

What The Critics Say

95/100 Raymond Chan Reviews, Candice Chow

"Full, deep ruby-red, slightly lighter on the rim. This has a robust bouquet with aromas of dark plum, blackcurrant, cocoa, leather, spice and meaty nuances. Full-bodied, aromas of dark plum and blackcurrant have a concentrated core, unfolding cocoa, leather, dark minerals, cured meat and spices. Fine-grained tannins show an earthy, mineral-rich quality and provide a good frame structure. Concentrated fruit and elegant spice linger to a long, rich closing. This Merlot is enticing, with a rich palate and structure elevated by dense fruit and fine acidity. Match with braised beef shortribs and roasted meat over the 10 years. Fruit from the Gimblett Gravels fermented to 13.5% alc. 19/20 pts (95 pts) Jun 2024 RRP $42." Drink 2024 - 2034

94/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim

"Splendidly fruited and inviting with blackcurrant, dark plum, smoked game, warm spice and cedar characters on the nose. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, well supported by plush texture and fine-grained tannins. Generous and robust with a long, satisfying finish. At its best: now to 2033. $42.00. www.saintclair.co.nz. May 2024." Drink 2024 - 2033

Variety Merlot
Region Marlborough
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Alcohol 13.50%
Maturity 2024 - 2034

This Wine Goes Well With

with BEEF
with GAME
with LAMB

Taste

4

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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.