Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay 2024

Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay is the rich, full-throttle end of Marlborough Chardonnay, but with enough freshness and precision to keep everything in line. Ripe peach and preserved lemon are layered with toasted cedar, vanilla, savoury spice and creamy lees texture, finishing long with a fine mineral edge. Fruit is drawn primarily from Saint Clair’s vineyards in the Omaka Valley, where clay-based soils and cool nights help retain flavour and acidity. Barrel fermented and selected from the pick of the cellar, this is a properly luxurious Chardonnay built for roast chicken, rich seafood or anyone who believes subtle oak is sometimes overrated.

What the winery says:

Fruit is sourced mainly from vineyards in Marlborough’s Omaka Valley, using a mix of Chardonnay clones led by Mendoza and Burgundian Clone 95. The grapes are hand harvested, lightly whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented before undergoing malolactic fermentation and maturation on yeast lees with regular stirring. Only the strongest barrels are selected for the final blend. Expect concentrated spice, toasted cedar and vanilla aromas, followed by ripe peach, preserved lemon, savoury complexity and a rich, luxurious finish.

What the experts say:

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 96/100 & 5 Stars
“Wonderfully styled with alluring complexity, the wine shows mango, apricot, vanilla, cedar, and almond meal characters on the nose.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 94/100 & Excellent
“An enticing bouquet and palate with flavours of fresh white peach and lemon.”

Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 94/100
“Striking acid tension drives focus and length to a crisp and gratifying finish.”

Cuisine, 4.5 Stars & Top 15
“Big, bold and ripe with attractive fruit and lots of well-managed oak.”