| The Saint Clair name originates from the vineyard property,
first settled by the Sinclair family. Pioneer James Sinclair built
one of the first homes in Blenheim and was closely associated with the
early development of the town. Over time the name of the property reverted
to the original Saint Clair. |
Saint Clair Family Estate is owned by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, viticulture pioneers
in Marlborough since 1978. Grapes were originally supplied to local wine companies;
however a desire to extend the quality achieved in the vineyard through to
the finished wine led to the establishment of Saint Clair Estate Wines.
From 1994 when wines from the first vintage all won medals including gold,
the name Saint Clair has been synonymous with quality and its award-winning
record continues today. Top International accolades include the trophy to Saint Clair/Matt Thomson for White Winemaker of the Year at the London International Wine Challenge, September 2008 and the coveted trophy for Best New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year at the International Wine and
Spirit Competition 2005. Saint Clair Family Estate also has the distinction
of being the first New Zealand wine company to win major international trophies
for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in the same year.
| ‘Saint Clair now makes the country’s and perhaps the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Saint Clair has won more top awards for Sauvignon Blanc in recent years than any of the three or four hundred other local producers. Although Sauvignon Blanc is clearly Saint Clair’s signature wine it has also earned trophies for Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Riesling over the same period’ |
Bob Campbell, Master of Wine
January 2008 Air New Zealand In Flight Magazine |
|
Saint Clair Family Estate's success is founded on the 27 years of extensive
pioneering viticulture, ongoing as a critical part of the highest quality winemaking
practices. Neal and Judy’s passion for their Marlborough vineyards and
award-winning range of wines is continuing to build their growing reputation
in New Zealand and in the 35 markets around the world that they export to.
The company's mission is to create world-class wines that exceed their customers
every expectation. To achieve this, Neal Ibbotson’s viticulture expertise
and Marlborough’s unique climate and soils, are both combined with the
proven experience of one of New Zealand’s leading winemaking teams, led
by Saint Clair’s chief winemaker, Matt Thomson.
Today the company is something of a family business with the next generation
also involved. Son Tony looks after the graphic design and daughters Sarina
and Julie both promote Saint Clair Family Estate in sales and marketing.
Saint Clair Family Estate produce a wide range of varieties, including Sauvignon
Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and
Merlot, available in four ranges of wines – the Reserve
Range, Pioneer
Block, the Premium Range and Vicar’s
Choice. |
