Saint Clair Family Estate recently held their anticipated growers tasting for new vintage 2020 Sauvignon Blanc at the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen on Selmes Road. The event was well attended with the like of Saint Clair growers and staff, and was off to a good start with Neal Ibbotson making comment on the great result of this year’s harvest considering the extreme situation over the harvest period due to Covid 19. Both Neal and Hamish Clark spoke about the challenges faced and expressed thanks to all involved with special mention to the interns/cellar staff from around the world who worked in both challenging and isolating conditions. It was a vintage like no other.
Hamish made particular mention on the exceptional 2020 fruit, being some of the best quality fruit Saint Clair had ever seen. Highlighting the stretch of classic Marlborough sunshine teamed up with no rain, resulted in no disease and ideal picking conditions. Warm weather during November and early December 2019, meant flowering was perfect for Sauvignon Blanc, leading to the ideal number of berries and average yields for the season.
A stand out for the event was one of the top tier growers tasting for Sandra & Colin MacKay with their Pioneer Block 11 Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has not been produced since 2011 and has even more special significance, with Colin’s sad passing over harvest this year. Congratulations Sandra and Colin.
Excitement raised as the tasting for Wairau Reserve 2020 was announced with growers Jason and Jenny Neil taking out the top spot. Winemaker, Hamish Clark noted the canopy density of the block was what made the fruit stand out from the crowd. This is the second year running Jason and Jenny have taken out top tasting for Sauvignon Blanc, well done!
Thank you to the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen for hosting the event and providing the delicious nibbles. The Vineyard Kitchen is open Thursday to Sunday for lunch or Monday to Wednesday for private lunch groups by enquiry.
