Saint Clair Block 14 Pinot Noir 2023

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Saint Clair
Label Name:
 
Block 14 Pinot Noir
Vintage:
 
2023
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
Marlborough (Doctor's Creek / Fairhall)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Pinot Noir
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
2
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
14-16°C

Awards/Ratings
92 points (Cameron Douglas MS, 2025 review of 2023); Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 has previously won the Shanghai International Wine Challenge Pinot Noir Trophy (2018 for 2016 vintage); positive reviews from international retailers and critics

Tasting Note
Perfumed red cherry, strawberry and plum with spice, clove and vanilla; subtle savory herbs and minerality. Silky texture, fine chalky tannins, lively acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, duck, mushroom risotto, pork belly, beef stew. Asian: Peking duck, char siu pork, miso-glazed salmon, teriyaki chicken, shiitake and soy braised dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested fruit from Doctor's Creek. Cold maceration, small-batch fermentation with ~8% whole clusters and hand-plunging. Pressed to French oak (c.24% new) and older barriques; malolactic conversion and 10–12 months oak ageing before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Saint Clair Family Estate, founded by Neal and Judy Ibbotson (est. 1994). Owns multiple Marlborough vineyards including the single-vineyard Doctor's Creek Block 14; focuses on sustainable viticulture and the Pioneer single-vineyard series.