2020 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Pinot Noir

Saint Clair is named after James Sinclair, who was responsible for the early settlements in Blenheim, New Zealand, home to the South Island winery. Founded in 1978, the family-owned winery is one of the pioneers of winegrowing in Marlborough. Hence, the link with pioneer James Sinclair was soon established. Saint Clair owns 270 acres of vineyards in Marlborough on the South Island and Hawke's Bay on the North Island.

The Pioneer Block range is made from excellent small fruit plots identified by Saint Clair winemakers from selected specialist vineyards with a unique terroir in the Marlborough region. Each wine has subtle stylistic differences and bears a name linked to the vineyard's origins which tells a story.

The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from a selected vineyard in Omaka Valley, a sub-area of Southern Valley, New Zealand.
After a cold maceration of five days, the fermentation takes place to obtain color and taste. Also during fermentation everything is done to increase the concentration. The 'hat' (the shells that float to the top) is submerged eight times a day. After fermentation, the wine is aged in wood for 10 months, of which 38% is new oak. The Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Pinot Noir has a light ruby red color. In the nose this is a pinot noir with aromas of strawberries and red berries, floral and notes of vanilla and coffee. The Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Pinot Noir is a round, full-bodied wine with subtle wood tones and silky tannins. Delicious with hearty lamb and beef dishes.