The 2022 Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay has redefined what it means to be a ‘Golden Chardonnay,’ claiming one of the top accolades at this year’s 2025 Sommelier Wine Awards. Not only was it awarded a gold medal, but it was also named the ‘Popular Pick White Wine of the Year’, taking home a trophy win along with two additional awards: ‘Critics’ Choice’ and ‘By the Glass’.
Among an impressive line-up of gold medal recipients in the Chardonnay category from Margaret River, California, and Stellenbosch, it was the Marlborough grown Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay that impressed the judges most, securing more accolades than any other wine in its category.
About the Sommelier Wine Awards
Widely regarded as the UK’s leading on-trade wine competition, the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) sets itself apart with its exclusive focus on wines crafted for restaurants, hotels, pubs, and bars. Since launching in 2007, it has become a trusted benchmark for on-trade wine buyers seeking to curate top-tier wine lists. Helping wine lovers discover producers like Saint Clair Family Estate in some of the best restaurants and bars in the UK.
Judges comments
“A rich and opulent style, with well integrated oak and creamy aromas. Waxy lemon and ripe red apple flavours are woven with a flinty, stony mineral touch - a perfect pairing for a white fish dish with a creamy butter sauce.”
“Creamy texture with vibrant acidity, showcasing flavours of nectarine, crushed almond, and subtle vanilla. This would pair well with butternut squash risotto with parmesan, as the creamy textures would echo the wine’s mouthfeel.”
-Emma Denney, Claridges.
-Emanuel Pesqueira, Pesqueira Consulting & Management.
About the Wine
Since its release in late 2022, the Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay has achieved many accolades, picking up gold medals at AWC Vienna and Chardonnay du Monde, as well as a platinum medal at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards. Crafted from Mendoza and Burgundian Clone 95 fruit, the wine was fermented in American oak barrels (14 per cent new oak), and aged on lees for nine months. The result is a generous, creamy Marlborough Chardonnay layered with ripe stone fruit flavours and oak influences.
Handpicked fruit for the Omaka Reserve Chardonnay
This latest recognition reinforces the Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay’s place among the very best in the world. With its rich flavour profile, food-friendly style, and growing presence in top hospitality venues, it’s a wine that continues to turn heads wherever it’s poured.
