Goose,
at the decanter NW fine wine tasting I got to have a chat with Neal and Judy Ibbotson, the owners of St Clair

thoroughly nice people with some of the best sauvgnon blancs at the event
I was sure to pass on your regards for the quality and consistancy of their pioneer blocks

They had the Block 21 (bell block) at the show which I'd say is probably the best example of a 2010 MSB I've tried (having yet to try any of the bird block 2010). very pungent and didn't seem to carry any of the sweeter notes that seemsconsistant with the 2010 vintage. this was more like an 09 style

According to the Ibbotsons and some of the other producers, 2011 is looking a decent vintage, tho the same was said about 2010 which hasn't struck the same note with me as 2007 & 2009 did

I have never seen the 21. It has very good reviews. Lucky you to have met them. Thanks for passing on my regards.

Mind you, I think you should've given one of them a slap for being so expensive.

And their UK distribution is awful....well, patchy at best.

They produce a Vicar's Choice label which is made for everyday drinking

Due to go on release over here in June. Waitrose to be the UK retailer around £8.99

looking on their website they do a fizzy MSB too !

I have had the Vicar's Choice and gave it a plug here. 2006 at Thresher. It was my fav wine until stumbling across the Pioneers.