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Pinot Noir is New Zealand's fastest growing red variety in all markets. Saint Clair's current aim is to win gold medals from this variety. To date silver medals have been awarded in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Cuisine magazine and the Wine Advocate, USA have both also provided excellent quality reviews.

Air New Zealand has featured in Business Class both the Saint Clair Omaka Reserve and the Saint Clair Doctor's Creek Pinot Noir.

The Saint Clair Doctor's Creek Reserve Pinot Noir 2002 was awarded the highest marks from all judges, and rated 'Outstanding Value for Money Wine', by Wine NZ team in June/July 2004.

This wine is named after the Doctor's Creek that runs through the home block vineyard of Saint Clair's owners, Neal and Judy Ibbotson.

Colour: Bright ruby red

Aroma: Raspberry and plum complemented by lifted floral hints and a touch of spice.

Palate: Luscious with a soft, full palate and flavours of red currant, raspberries and cherries with hints of plums. Ageing in new French oak barrels ahs added warmth to the palate.

Ageing Potential: Drinking well now or cellar over the next two to five years.

Winemaking: The fruit was harvested when it had reached full physiological ripeness and maximum flavour maturity. At the winery, the fruit was held cold for four to five days prior to ferment to help extract maximum flavour and to enhance colour stability. Cultured yeasts were used to ferment the wine, and druing ferment, the must was hand plunged up to six times daily. Once dry, each batch was pressed to tank and then racked off gross lees to 34 per cent new French oak. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged for nine months in barrel before being blended, and carefully prepared for bottling.

Viticulture: The fruit was sourced from Saint Clair's own vineyard at Doctro's Creek, and blended with a small amount from the Southern Valleys to add complexity. The grapes harvested for this wine are from a mixture of Dijon clones.

Wine Analysis: Alcohol 13%, Titratable Acid 5.9g/litre, pH 55

Food Suggestions: This Pioneer Block Pinot Noir is perfectly matched with spring lamb or tuna.