Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay 2016
With aromas of peach and spice this pale gold wine is elegant and balanced. It’s stone fruit and savory oak flavours work with roast chicken salad dishes and seafood in rich sauces. Partially hand picked and whole bunch pressed the level of attention that goes into the Chardonnay is to preserve the strength of the fruit flavours and the characteristics of the vineyard. The Omaka Reserve fruits come from the Southern Valleys of Marlborough, where the soils are clay based, helping to preserve the flavours. Although it’s more than ready to drink now the flavour will change if carefully stored for up to another four years.
Neal and Judy Ibbotson were one of the original pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry They first planted vineyards in the Wairau valley in 1978 and then established the Saint Clair Estate in 1994. They now own over 100 hectares of vineyards in six different Marlborough locations. These locations were specifically selected for their ability to produce top quality grapes and for the unique terroir.
Neal began to combine his extensive knowledge of viticulture with the blazing talent of Hamish Clark. The combination proven to be a huge success and Saint Clair has enjoyed massive success locally and internationally. This is displayed in the many Trophies and Gold medals won by this remarkable winery. Saint Clair is a name that has become internationally recognised as a producer of world class wines.
Vinification - The fruit was carefully handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The wine was barrel fermented in american oak (50% new, 25% second fill, 25% third fill). Selected yeast strains were used for fermentation. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for 10 months with regular stirring. Only the best barrels from each batch were selected to use in the final blend. The wine was then blended and carefully prepared for bottling.
Viticulture - This wine is made up of small batches of fruit from Saint Clair's own Omaka vineyard in Marlborough.
Tasting Note - A full-bodied and rich wine with complex stonefruit flavours and a touch of spice supported by underlying nutty, oak notes and subtle lees characters.
Everyday Serving Suggestion - Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay is a perfect wine to have alongside roast chicken.
Country / Region / Appellation - NZ / Marlborough / Marlborough
Winemaker Hamish Clark
Additional Resources: http://www.saintclair.co.nz/
