Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Country: New Zealand Region: Marlborough
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2023 Colour: White Style: Dry
Producer: Cloudy Bay
Description:
Grapes were sourced from estate and grower vineyards located in the Rapaura, Fairhall, Renwick and Brancott sub-regions of the Wairau Valley. Free draining, stony soils typify the Rapaura and Renwick areas whilst Fairhall and Brancott are predominantly aged alluvial loams containing some clay. The majority of fruit was grown on a vertical shoot positioned (VSP) trellis with three canes laid down.
Since David Hohnen of renowned Cape Mentelle in Western Australia launched his show stopping Cloudy Bay Sauvignon in the 1980s, wine drinkers have been in awe of its charm. This wine is impressively fresh and intense, with an understated brilliance that sets it apart from more exuberant Sauvignons. The Cloudy Bay estate lies in Wairau Valley, Marlborough, at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. It takes its name from the most easterly point of the valley, named Cloudy Bay by the explorer Captain James Cook when he first discovered the region in 1770. Despite ever increasing competition, Cloudy Bay remains Marlborough’s quality reference. This white is truly refreshing – great on its own or with seafood or spicy Thai dishes.
Cloudy Bay is the best known name in New Zealand wine and the “standard bearer of Marlborough wineries” (Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide). Through four decades, their outstanding Sauvignon has been acclaimed by many as the region’s leading light.
Tasting Note:
Lifted notes of elderflower, green lime zest, and stone fruit. The palate is ripe, fine and succulent, offering zesty ripe citrus flavours coupled with an edge of minerality and sweet herbs. A small barrel ferment component gives balancing flesh to the wines crisp refreshing acidity. A classic wine from an outstanding season.
Food Matches: Mediterranean / Cheese / Foie Gras / aperatif