Saint Clair’s Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 was recently noted on the Susie and Peter NZ Wines of the Year list for 2026!
Scoring 94 points, the wine was one of more than 200 to be tasted across three days for inclusion on the inaugural list, which required a score of at least 93 points.
The Saint Clair team was thrilled to make the list, and humbled to read the judges comments, which said:
“Saint Clair is a Marlborough stalwart that consistently delivers characterful, satisfying wines at fair prices. It’s a name that often crops up on casual dining restaurant and bar SUSIE & PETER 27 lists in the UK. When it does, it’s generally met with a sigh of relief, especially if we’re with friends and desperately in need of a good bottle of white with broad appeal.
"Neal and Judy Ibbotson were some of the first to plant vineyards in Marlborough back in 1978. Initially they sold the grapes to other producers but later they decided to create their own brand, hence Saint Clair Family Estate was born in 1994. Today they own 160 hectares across ten locations in Marlborough.
"This Reserve Sauvignon is sourced from the lower Wairau, close to the ocean, where nights are a little cooler and hang-time a little longer. Winemaker Stewart Maclennan and his team select the best batch of wine from each vintage to make into the Reserve and in 2023 it’s a really pungent, pea-shoot and whitecurrant style, with lovely crunchy freshness and a lifted, invigorating finish."
Saint Clair’s Reserve wines are produced in small quantities and are handcrafted using premium fruit harvested at optimum ripeness. They’re examples of Saint Clair’s finest wines, showing exceptional character. The recipients of many gold medals, trophies and accolades, it was a delight to add this mention to the list.
Susie and Peter’s NZ Wines of the Year 2026 list was also discussed in their podcast, Wine Blast, which you can listen to here: https://susieandpeter.com/podcast-episodes/season-seven/new-zealand-wines-of-the-year-2026
