St Laurent Pinots Spirited Cousin. A rare Austrian gem with a Marlborough soul. This dark, spicy red shows vibrant cherry fruit, fine tannins, and a lively acidity, all at a modest alcohol level. Elegant, complex, and refreshingly different, our handcrafted St Laurent is a true alternative to Pinot Noir. St Laurent naturally ripens at around 22.5 Brix, delivering full flavour and ripe tannins with modest alcohol. A rare balance and a welcome contrast to Pinot Noir, which can become overripe in warm summers. Cherished by connoisseurs.

Available exclusively from our estate cellar. Crafted from a single organic block and matured in just one barrique, our St Laurent is released in exceptionally small quantities each vintage. Due to its rarity, it is not available through our distribution partners. Were pleased to offer it directly from the estate with worldwide shipping. Please contact us for availability and a personal shipping quote, well be delighted to assist you.

Vintage 2020

Handpicked at the onset of April following a flawless summer.The finicky grape variety is a parent to Zweigelt along with Blaufrnkisch, both of which are planted in our vineyard. Close-planted at 8,000 plants per hectare, each vine yields just 600g of grapes, resulting in exceptionally sweet and succulent fruit. This unwavering commitment to quality and concentration shines through in every bottle of the revered wine.

Hans’ Winemaking Comments

After destemming, the grapes were subjected to a cold soak, extracting the remarkable properties from their flawless skins. Letting the temperature gently rise, a natural wild (indigenous yeast) fermentation commenced, prolonged and kept cool to preserve delicate flavours. Following fermentation, the must was gently pressed and transferred into two French Barriques, facilitating a gradual progression into natural malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months and further enriched by an additional two years of bottle aging, the wine retains its natural essence – no fining, no filtration, just pure, unadulterated goodness.

Tasting Notes

The wine exudes a symphony of aromas, with sweet dark cherries, luscious boysenberries, and enticing warm spices inviting you in. A sturdy backbone of ripe tannins and balanced acidity promises a graceful evolution over time. Its mouth-filling presence and velvety textures lead to a lingering, elegant finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Technical Data

Variety 100% St. Laurent Rootstock RG Vine Planted 2008/ 12 years Soil Shallow (<45 cm), comprised of stony alluvium, ensuring excellent drainage. Notably diverse, each row exhibits varying soil compositions, with sand and gravel interspersed with clay-sand layers, contributing to the unique terroir of the vineyard. Planting Density 8,000vines/ha Yield 1.5t/ha Alcohol 13% Residual Sugar <1 g/l Ageing Potential 15 years Bottles Produced 520 only. Be quick!

Food Matching Suggestions

Indulge in the richness and allure of this wine, perfect for a variety of dishes. Its delightful depth pairs beautifully with bold flavours, ideal companions include wild game, roast duck, savory mushroom risotto, and an assortment of cured meats.