Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay 2020
The grapes for this Saint Clair Reserve Chardonnay are sourced primarily from the family's vineyards in Marlborough’s Omaka Valley where a combination of warm days, cool nights and clay based soils contribute to greater retention of fruit flavours. Carefully hand-picked fruit is lightly whole bunch pressed and the must barrel fermented in American oak (50% new, 25% second fill, 25% third fill). The wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrel, followed by maturation on its lees for 10 months with regular stirring. Only the best barrels from each batch were selected to use in the final blend of the Omaka Reserve Chardonnay. This is an elegant and silky wine, with fragrant peach aromas, layered with toasted spice and subtle vanilla notes. Concentrated notes of fresh peach, ripe grapefruit and biscuity notes on the palate continue on the long finish. This is Saint Clair’s owners Neal and Judy Ibbotson’s perfect wine to have alongside roast chicken.