| Region of production: | Marlborough GI, Hawke’s Bay GI |
| Winery Location: | Blenheim, Marlborough |
| Year Established: | 1978 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Doctor’s Creek Vineyard: Marlborough GI. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir on clay.
- Awatere Valley Vineyard: Marlborough GI. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris on silt loam over sandstone.
- Rapaura Vineyard: Marlborough GI
- Omaka Vineyard: Marlborough GI. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on clay.
- Ben Morven Vineyard: Marlborough GI. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir on clay gravel.
- Vineyard Kitchen Block: Marlborough GI. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay used for sparkling wine.
- Strip Block Vineyard: Marlborough GI. Pinot Noir on clay.
- Plateau Vineyard: Hawke’s Bay GI. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Viognier on gravel soils.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Sauvignon Blanc Wairau Reserve (Marlborough GI): Fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts. Inaugural vintage 2000.
- Sauvignon Blanc Barrique (Marlborough GI): Fermented in French barriques, some using indigenous yeasts. Undergoes malolactic fermentation. Aged on lees for 11 months. Inaugural vintage 2000.
- Chardonnay Omaka Reserve (Marlborough GI): Fermented in American oak barrels, 50% new. A selection of top barrels. Inaugural vintage 1998.
- Pinot Gris Godfrey’s Creek Reserve (Marlborough GI): Fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts. Inaugural vintage 2003.
- Pinot Noir Omaka Reserve (Marlborough GI): Fermented with approximately 20% whole clusters. Aged in French barriques, approximately 30% new. Inaugural vintage 2000.
- Merlot Pioneer Block 17 Plateau (Hawke’s Bay GI): Aged in French oak barrels, approximately 25% new. Formerly called Bay Block Merlot. Inaugural vintage 2007.
Average Total Production
- N/A
Summary
Neal and Judy Ibbotson founded Saint Clair in 1978 and remain the owners today. At its inception, it was one of the first viticultural enterprises in Marlborough. The Ibbotsons initially sold their fruit to other wineries before establishing their own label in 1994. The name is derived from the estate of James Sinclair, one of the earliest settlers of Blenheim and historic owner of the Saint Clair property. Saint Clair vinifies an extraordinarily wide portfolio, centered in Marlborough, but also from a vineyard in Gimblett Gravels. Kyle Thompson, Stewart Maclennan, and Hamish Clark lead the winemaking and viticulture teams.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Saint Clair is one of Marlborough’s larger producers. With an expansive portfolio, the style and vinification practices are wide ranging. The Origin and Vicar’s Choice represent Saint Clair’s entry lines, while the Reserve range showcases higher quality fruit. The Pioneer Block series is harvested from single parcels.
Producer Website: Saint Clair Family Estate