Our Wines

Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Region:

Previously part of Wairau Flood Plain (which built up the deep free-draining soils).This is the vineyard where Saint Clair discovered the fruit to make the now world famous Wairau Reserve.

Terroir:

Soils: Deep fertile, free-draining soils.

Topography: Flat

Climate: Slightly cooler than most of the Marlborough Valley with a slower longer ripening period.

Vine Age: Older vines – 11 years.

Regional Characteristics & contribution to Uniqueness of Flavours:

The free-draining alluvial soils of this vineyard have been built up over time by flooding. The vineyard is now protected by a stopbank. These free-draining fertile soils produce the intensity of flavour in the wine. The unique flavours are the combination of powerful passionfruit and honeysuckle.

Viticulture:

The fruit was sourced from a single vineyard owned by the Sowman family on the fertile, free-draining soils of the lower Wairau Valley. The fruit was carefully monitored during ripening and harvested in the cool of the evening at maximum flavour maturity and physiological ripeness.

Winemaking:

The juice was pressed off immediately to minimise skin contact and juice deterioration following harvesting. After settling, the juice was fermented using a variety of selected yeast in 100 per cent stainless steel at cool temperatures to retain fruit flavour and freshness. This batch was selected as a Pioneer Block wine due to its power and intensity of flavour.

Colour:

Pale straw

Aroma:

Powerful and intense aromas of passionfruit, blackcurrant, hints of grapefruit and an underlying mineral note.

Palate:

This is an intense Sauvignon Blanc with a powerful passionfruit and blackcurrant spectrum and an underlying mineral tone. The palate is intensely concentrated and full with a long, lingering finish.

Cellaring:

This wine is drinking beautifully now and may also be enjoyed over the next one to two years.

Analysis:

Alcohol: 13% v/v, Titratable Acidity: 7.9g/litre, Residual Sugar: 4.5g/litre, pH: 3.4.

Food Match:

An ideal match with fresh Marlborough salmon or scallops with summer salad.

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