Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 'Foundation Block' Sauvignon Blanc showcases the pedigree and precision of one of Marlborough's most acclaimed wineries. Pioneering winemakers Neal and Judy Ibbotson have leveraged decades of expertise and a commitment to sustainable viticulture to craft a wine that exemplifies the unique terroir of the lower Wairau Valley. Sourced from a single site with deep, fertile, free-draining soils-built up over generations on what was once the Wairau floodplain-this wine is renowned for its balance, intensity, and concentration of flavour. Careful site selection, slow ripening periods due to the vineyard's slightly cooler microclimate, and night harvesting ensure that every bottle reflects a purity of fruit and a distinctive sense of place synonymous with Saint Clair.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
This Sauvignon Blanc pours a vibrant, pale straw colour with youthful green highlights, brimming with clarity and brightness in the glass.
Nose:
The aroma is instantly inviting, bursting with expressive notes of blackcurrant, passionfruit, and a subtle hint of oyster shell. Layers of freshly crushed herbs elevate the bouquet, promising complexity and refreshment, while mineral undertones echo the distinctive terroir of the lower Wairau Valley.
Palate:
On the palate, this wine delivers a powerful yet refined experience. Waves of luscious tropical fruit, including passionfruit and hints of grapefruit, interweave seamlessly with vibrant herbaceous flavours. A pronounced mineral purity provides a linear and focused mouthfeel, with each sip revealing a harmonious balance of fruit concentration and fresh acidity.
Finish:
The finish is long, clean, and mineral-driven, lingering gracefully with a final flourish of peapod and grapefruit. This is a Sauvignon Blanc of both intensity and elegance, showcasing why Saint Clair remains a benchmark producer in Marlborough.
