Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir 2023

Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir shows the darker, more serious side of Marlborough Pinot Noir. Black cherry, blackberry and violet meet crushed thyme, baking spice, flint and a touch of earth, carried by fine tannins and a savoury oak finish. Omaka Reserve sits at the top of Saint Clair’s Pinot Noir range, sourced predominantly from a low-cropping vineyard in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, where tight bunches and small berries help build concentration. Full-bodied but still polished, this has the depth for roast lamb or duck, and enough finesse to reward a little time in the glass.

What the winery says:

The fruit comes mainly from a single vineyard in the Delta area of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, selected for its naturally low yields and concentrated flavour. After a period of cold soaking, the wine is fermented with regular hand plunging before maturation in French oak. The result is intensely aromatic, with dark fruit, flint and savoury herbs leading into a full-bodied palate of dark cherry and crushed thyme, framed by silky tannins and toasted oak.

What the experts say

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 (2023 vintage)
"Bright red and ruby core leads to a bouquet of freshness and style lead by a varietal signature of cherry and purple flowers, blackcurrant and rose then layers of baking spice and earth smoke. On the palate a delicious wine with and exuberant freshness and texture. Dry with an abundance of fine polished tannins, medium+ acid line and flavour core that reflect the bouquet. Persistent with some youthful tautness, balanced and well made. Best from late 2026 through 2031+."