Saint Clair Family Estate are pleased to announce that the 2021 James Sinclair Malbec was selected in the prestigious Gimblett Gravels 2021 Annual Vintage selection. The Annual Vintage Selection provides a snapshot of each vintage and helps to chart the evolution of Gimblett Gravels red wines.
The top 12 wines are selected by Sydney based Master of Wine Andrew Caillard, and tell the story of the Gimblett Gravels wines from the 2021 vintage. This release marks 14 years of the top dozen carefully selected wines, which are then distributed to wine influencers around the world.
The calibre of the 2021 selection was said to have thrilled Andre Caillard MW, stating “I found an amazing consistency of quality across all producers and a really lovely diversity of character…a brilliant reflection on the Gimblett Gravels® wine community. This type of result can only be achieved through collaboration and shared ideals.”
He applauded the producers for embracing sustainable practices, promoting biodiversity and a lower footprint in the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District®. This movement “has brought dividends beyond mitigation against climate change. The 2021 vintage exemplifies a beautiful balance between nurture and nature.”
The 2021 Vintage Selection included many top Hawke’s Bay producers such as Craggy Range, Elephant Hill and Mission Estate. Saint Clair placed within the top blended reds (Bordeaux varieties) with the 2021 James Sinclair Malbec, scoring 97 points. The wine is described as showing notes of exotic dark fruits, a hint of black pepper and toasty oak flavours. Andrew also commented that the 2021 vintage showed the potential of Malbec as a single variety and its versatility in the blend, something that the Saint Clair team are thrilled to hear.
Saint Clair’s senior winemaker Kyle Thompson is delighted that the James Sinclair Malbec has been recognised in such a prestigious list, “There are some exciting wines in the lineup and the Saint Clair team are happy to be recognised for our Malbec from a stunning vintage. All the stars aligned, and result is a great boost for us – the perfect winter wine.”
