Winemaking and Ageing: The grapes are carefully selected from several vineyards in Marlborough, the renowned dry and sunny viticultural region situated at the north eastern tip of New Zealand`s South Island. Consisting of two parallel valleys, the Wairau and the Awatere, the region stretches along the Pacific Coast. The vines grow in mixed alluvial soils, which are geologically young and have been distributed along the valley`s floors by the Wairau and Awatere rivers. Ideal for viticulture, these alluvial soils have good drainage and low fertility, so the vine is forced to deepen its roots for hydration and nutrients, resulting in berries which are concentrated in flavour.

The grapes were pressed with minimal skin contact, to maintain the pure fruit flavours. The must was then cool fermented with selected yeasts in stainless steel to retain its freshness and zesty character.

Tasting Notes: Bishops Leap Sauvignon Blanc is a light bodied, mouth-watering wine redolent of grapefruit complemented by herbaceous flavours with a zesty and refreshing finish. Made at the award winning Saint Clair winery with grapes from the Awatere and Wairau Valleys, giving a wine with aromas of gooseberries, herbs and passion fruit.

SAINT CLAIR FAMILY ESTATE
Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards in the valley in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. They own 160 hectares of vineyard in 10 different Marlborough locations chosen specifically for the attributes of their individual "terroir" and ability to produce top quality grapes. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive expertise in viticulture with the talent of one of New Zealand`s leading winemaking teams led by Hamish Clark. Since 1994, when wines from the first vintage all won medals including gold, the name Saint Clair has been synonymous with quality and its award-winning record continues today. This is a sentiment shared by Bob Campbell MW, who says “Saint Clair now makes the country’s and perhaps the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc”.

Food Pairing: An ideal match with fresh seafood, pasta or white meats.

Case Bottles: 6