Saint Clair Family Estate is pleased to announce that the 2021 James Sinclair Malbec was selected in the prestigious Gimblett Gravels 2021. The Annual Vintage Selection provides a snapshot of each vintage and helps to chart the evolution of Gimblett Gravel's red wines.
Sydney-based Master of Wine Andrew Caillard selected the top 12 wines and told the story of the Gimblett Gravels wines from the 2021 vintage. This release marks 14 years of the top dozen carefully selected wines, which are then distributed to wine influencers around the world.
Andrew Caillard
The calibre of the 2021 selection was good news for Andre Caillard MW, who stated there was a remarkable consistency of quality across all producers and a lovely diversity of character.
"A brilliant reflection on the Gimblett Gravels wine community. This result can only be achieved through collaboration and shared ideals," said Caillard.
He applauded the producers for embracing sustainable practices, promoting biodiversity and a lower footprint in the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District. This movement has brought dividends beyond mitigation against climate change. The 2021 vintage exemplified a beautiful balance between nurture and nature.
The 2021 Vintage Selection included many top Hawke's Bay producers, such as Craggy Range, Elephant Hill, and Mission Estate. Saint Clair placed within the top blended reds (Bordeaux varieties) with the 2021 James Sinclair Malbec, scoring 97 points. The wine shows notes of exotic dark fruits, a hint of black pepper and toasty oak flavours.
Caillard continued that the 2021 vintage showed the potential of Malbec as a single variety and its versatility in the blend, something that the Saint Clair team was happy to hear. Saint Clair's senior winemaker Kyle Thompson was pleased that the James Sinclair Malbec had been recognised in such a prestigious list.
"The lineup has some exciting wines, and the Saint Clair team are happy to be recognised for our Malbec from a stunning vintage. All the stars aligned, and the result is a great boost for us – the perfect winter wine," concluded Thompson.
