Saint Clair Origin Merlot

The outstanding fruit was sourced predominantly from a single vineyard within the Gimblett Gravels area of Hawkes Bay. During fermentation, the wine was hand plunged and occasionally pumped over to gently extract flavour, colour and tannin. Once pressed and settled, the wine was then racked to seasoned French oak where it underwent malolactic conversion. The wine was aged on its light lees, lightly fined and carefully prepared for bottling.

A luscious Merlot displaying savoury aromas of olive, cedar and spice. This is layered with flavours of dark berried fruits and black plum on the palate. Following onto a lightly spiced and toasty finish. Try with roasted meats, pasta dishes or aged cheese.

Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards in the valley in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. They own 160 hectares of vineyard in 10 different Marlborough locations chosen specifically for the attributes of their individual "terroir" and ability to produce top quality grapes. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive expertise in viticulture with the talent of one of New Zealand's leading winemaking teams. The vines are sustainably cultivated and the estate holds the Sustainable Wines of New Zealand certification.