Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy Announced

12 MARCH 2008

Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy Announced

Saint Clair reinforce reputation as a leading producer of Sauvignon Blanc

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Cell Block Sauvignon Blanc 2007 was awarded the Champion Sauvignon Blanc trophy at 2008 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Gala Dinner held at the weekend.

Saint Clair’s specialist Pioneer Block range comprises small-parcel wines handcrafted to reflect the unique influence of terroir on grape varieties grown within the same region.

The home of Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Cell Block is a small vineyard in the lower Wairau Valley. It is affectionately known as Cell Block, after the owner, Colin MacKay, a former senior detective in the New Zealand Police. This vineyard has ideal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc where free-draining alluvial silt soils overlay a sand subsoil and the cooler climate means a longer grape-growing season, factors which all contribute to the award-winning quality of this wine.

This is the 51st trophy Saint Clair has been awarded since 2001 (41 of which have been for Sauvignon Blanc). This trophy reinforces the leadership position Saint Clair currently holds, as one of New Zealand’s top Sauvignon Blanc producers.

Saint Clair’s managing director, Neal Ibbotson says, “This wine is classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with intense aromas of blackcurrant, gooseberry and passionfruit leaping out of the glass. We are very proud and honoured to receive the Champion Sauvignon Blanc trophy for it”.

This trophy is not the only win for Saint Clair, who won three gold medals, 10 silver and eight bronze medals at the same show.

Saint Clair has recently re-branded to Saint Clair Family Estate to reinforce the family-ownership of their winery. Saint Clair began in 1994 and has received a multitude of prestigious awards and trophies from around the world. For more information on Saint Clair Family Estate visit www.saintclair.co.nz

ENDS

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