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Marlborough, New Zealand
Saint Clair Family Estate is owned by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, viticulture pioneers in Marlborough since 1978. Starting off as grape suppliers, the Ibbotson always desired to establish a label of there own, forming Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. The Saint Clair name originates from the vineyard property, first settled by the Sinclair family. Pioneer James Sinclair built one of the first homes in Blenheim and was closely associated with the early development of the town. Over time the name of the property reverted to the original Saint Clair. The company's mission is to create world-class wines that exceed their customers' every expectation. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive viticultural expertise, Marlborough’s famous climate & soils with the talent of one of New Zealand’s leading winemaking teams, led by Matt Thomson and Hamish Clark. From the inaugural vintage all the wines won medals including gold. Top International accolades followed include the trophy to Matt Thomson of Saint Clair for White Winemaker of the Year at the London International Wine Challenge in 2008 and the coveted trophy for Best New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2005. Saint Clair Family Estate also has the distinction of being the first New Zealand wine company to win major international trophies for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in the same year.
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Winemaker: Hamish Clark is the winery’s senior winemaker and has worked for Saint Clair since 2001. He works alongside Matt Thomson leading the winemaking team. Hamish has a unique background with a BSC in both Microbiology and Zoology from Otago University. Before he relinquished his career to his passion for wine he worked across Europe is medical labs including the Forensic Science Services at the Home Office UK. Hamish fired up his passion at Saint Clair working as the Lab Manager and Cellar Hand in 2001, Assistant Winemaker and Lab Manager in 2002 and Red Wine Winemaker from 2003 until 2006. Hamish is very passionate about the wines he makes for Saint Clair and is a key member of the winemaking team. |
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Consultant Winemaker: Matt Thomson(B.Sc and M.Sc Biochem, Otago) leads the impressive Saint Clair winemaking team. Matt has been involved with Saint Clair since its inception in 1994. He also has had winemaking experience on a regular basis in a number of areas in Italy and in Bordeaux. Matt is uncompromising on quality. Comparatively little emphasis is placed on technological gadgetry. This natural, uncluttered approach helps produce wines with distinctive characters. Up until harvest Matt spends most of his time monitoring the changing flavour profile of the grapes noting the difference in flavour between bunches and between vineyards ensuring that they are picked at optimum time. Neal says, “Matt has a great palate and tremendous skill for optimising these grape flavours at harvest.” |
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Director: Neal & Judy Ibbotson Neal and Judy Ibbotson’s extensive viticulture experience have allowed them to identify the best areas and sites in Marlborough. Since 1978 they gradually purchased land at six different Marlborough locations (including the Rapaura, Awatere, Waihopai and Omaka Valleys) and built up an excellent knowledge of what varieties do best in each of the sites. They then either replanted or top grafted their vineyards accordingly on each site. |
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0800 4 VITIS
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