2023 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Pinot Noir, Marlborough

Bright tamarillo and purple fruit notes with smoky dried herb aromas. The palate enters with rounded softness, hiding quite dusty oak tannins under the sweetly ripe fruit. Fresh acidity brings up the rear. The mid-weight flavours start in the berry spectrum before deepening to plum and warm earth on the finish where noticeably spicy oak adds additional weight. Silky smooth and plump, a clearly varietal expression in an approachable style 31 Jan 2025 Drink 2025–2034

90 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Pinot Noir from Marlborough showcases the finesse and concentration that has made this region a global leader for Pinot outside of Burgundy. Sourced from a single vineyard in the Omaka Valley, known for its clay-rich soils and long, even ripening, this wine is part of Saint Clair’s celebrated Pioneer Block series which highlights distinctive parcels of fruit across Marlborough.

Crafted by Saint Clair’s winemaker Heather Stewart, this Pinot Noir is a beautifully expressive and site-specific wine. The nose offers a complex mix of red cherry, wild strawberry, and rose petal, supported by subtle spice, earthy forest floor, and toasty oak from barrel maturation. The palate is silky and layered, with fine-grained tannins and a lovely mineral line that speaks to the clay soils of Twin Hills.

Despite its elegance, it has surprising power and drive, with the structure to age gracefully while drinking beautifully young.

Food pairing: perfect with duck confit, roasted beetroot and goat cheese salad, or porcini mushroom risotto.

Cellar potential: 5 to 8 years from vintage.