2023 St Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling
Grape
Riesling
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
***** Top NZ Riesling, Cuisine Magazine Feb 2025
"The team at Saint Clair is no stranger to the top spot here at Cuisine. In fact, I recently ran into some of the fantastic team members at an event and I was thanked for Cuisine always being so kind to Saint Clair. Their joy at their success and the humility to assume that the credit lay elsewhere took me aback. I reminded the team that in a blind tasting no one does anyone any favours. We take the integrity of the tastings very seriously at Cuisine, so even if we wanted to, we couldn’t take any credit. Kudos and the thanks is properly placed at the feet of the incredible winemaking team which has produced so many wines that are worthy of the accolade that is the top wine award from Cuisine. Within the Saint Clair portfolio, the Pioneer Block range is a set of small-parcel wines made to reflect the influence of the land on the grapes. In the case of this specific wine it also reflects the physical stature of the vineyard owner from where the grapes hail. Standing at a not too stumpy six foot ten, John Walsh – AKA Big John – is the inspiration for this riesling which, I’m thinking, uncoincidentally sits in a tall tapered Alsatian bottle. Aesthetics aside, it’s what’s inside that really enraptured our judges. Pale in the glass with lovely clean citrus aromas on the nose. The palate is tight and focussed with fantastic acidity that is beautifully balanced against the sweetness present. Fresh and bright with a lively palate and a lipsmacking finish, it’s superb."
93/100 Bob Campbell MW
"Medium-dry riesling with lime cordial, lemon curd, wildflower and oyster shell flavours. Punchy, mouth-watering wine with lively acid/sweet tension. Should develop well with bottle age although I like it fresh and vibrant." Drink 2024 - 2031
92/100 Cameron Douglas MS
"Aromas of apple and lime, orange peel and a stony mineral quality. Off-dry as the wine touches the palate, contrasting acid line and flavours that mirror the bouquet. There’s a just a tickle of spritz adding extra livilness to an already plush and satin textured palate with a high acid top-line. Well made and ready to drink from 2024 through 2030."
| Variety | Riesling |
|---|---|
| Region | Marlborough |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 9.00% |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2030 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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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.
