2018 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Rows are planted north-east to south-west at a 43 degree angle rather than the typical north to south. This leads to slightly greener characters in grapes on the south facing side and more tropical characters in grapes on the north facing side. The resulting wine is therefore multi-dimensional and complex. The site is cooler than some other areas of the valley and hence slower to ripen. The distinguishing flavours are crushed herbs (often associated with the coastal Awatere region) and an absence of sweaty characteristics.

Blackcurrant bud, crushed herb, mineral & wet stone.Blackcurrant with layers of juicy white peach and tropical passionfruit notes. A mineral and salty richness leads to a long lingering finish.Drinking beautifully now and best enjoyed over the next two years complexity over the next five years and beyond.