Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling 2025

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling 2025

• Region: Marlborough
• Sub-Region: Woodbourne, Wairau Valley
• Varieties: Riesling

Vineyard Named for vineyard owner John Walsh, a six-foot-ten figure known in viticultural circles as “Big John”. The older alluvial soils moderate vigour, so ripening is slow and gives good flavour concentration and weight. It is a true medium style at 10.5% alcohol with around 36 g/L of residual sugar.

Wine Pale straw, with fragrant lemon zest and lime pith, grapefruit blossom and a mineral edge. The palate is luscious and fruit-driven, with Meyer lemon, sweet mandarin, honeysuckle and citrus blossom. It finishes fresh and refreshing, and it will drink well to about 2032.

Food Pairings

• Spicy Asian dishes
• Sweet and sour pork
• Soft cheeses

Accolades (2025)

• Trophy for Champion Riesling and Gold Medal — National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2025
• 91/100 points — Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review