Saint Clair, Pioneer Block 14 'Doctor's Creek', 2022
Marlborough
100%  Pinot Noir 
12% abv 
Ripe strawberry and tobacco flavours combine with spicy cloves and vanilla, smooth and opulent style of Pinot Noir.
The grapes are selected from the single vineyard "Doctor's Creek" block, named after the small stream which runs through the centre. The vineyard is situated southwest of Blenheim where the soils are made up of clay and are rich, vigour moderating soils.
The fruit was harvested when it had reached full physiological ripeness and maximum flavour maturity. At the winery, the fruit was cold macerated for five days to help extract maximum flavour and to enhance colour stability. 8% of whole cluster fruit was added to the fermentation adding the stems component to the mix. Specially selected cultured yeasts were used to carry out fermentation, during which the fermenting must was hand-plunged up to six times daily. Once dry, each batch was pressed to tank and then racked off gross lees to 24% new French oak and older, seasoned barriques. During its time in oak, the wine underwent malolactic conversion and was aged for 10 months, before being carefully prepared for bottling.
 A luscious Pinot Noir with ripe damson plums complemented by aromatic floral notes. Smooth and opulent, with wild red fruit, cherry and spicy plum flavours enveloped in a fine, silky structure finishing with a hint of toasty oak.