Gladstone Vineyard and Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc 2012
· Written Wine ReviewsOct 25th, 2012 | By Jayson Bryant | Category: Written Wine Reviews
Gladstone Vineyard and Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Summer may have never arrived in 2012, but what it lacked in Summer it gained in Autumn. A cooler than expected December was followed by a wet, windy January. The temperatures that were promised by the metservice and regional newspapers just never arrived.
By late March the weather gods made everyone happy. Gone were the damp cool days and an Indian Summer ensued. Vintage started late, and with lateness it usually brings rain. Fortunately neither of these two vineyards were effected.
Saint Clair Premium Sauvignon Blanc 2012
One of the most awarded wineries in NZ, and definitely for their Sauvignon Blanc. The lush tropical fruit is mixed with a somewhat unusual red fruit character. Red, black and tropical fruit perfumes fill the air, with hints of dried herbs. The palate is just a lush as the nose. The red currants and passionfruit dominate. Good length and dry’ish finish.
86 Points
4 Stars
RRP $21.50
Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc 2012
All be it cheaper this wine delivers and bang for buck is great value. I prefer the drier nature of this wine. The lifted aromatics are a little more obvious. Very traditional in recipe. A lighter, more green, Sauvignon Blanc. This is traditional Marlborough Sauvignon, the type that the British lapped up.
87 Points
4 Stars
RRP $19.50
Gladstone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Changing from Marlborough to Martinborough initially it’s easy to understand why the Poms loved Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc so much. But once you unravel the wines from Martinborough they too are easy to love. The aromatics are different. Actually the whole wine is different. Different is good though. The aromatics are more reminiscent of the Loire whites.
The dry nature of this wine is compounded by the subtle citrus and mineral characters. Less tropical and more about texture and depth of character on the palate than some Marlborough wines. The lemon zest and lime compote are balanced with the ripe fruit. This all leads to the steely mineral finish. Good length and cellar potential.
88 Points
4 Stars
RRP $25
