Cloudy Bay set the benchmark for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc over 35 years ago and it is still doing so now. In the world of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc it is too easy to be caught into the flotsam of the sea of mediocrity. This is and always has been immune to the demands of 'cheapest is best'. The focus is on being the best. An excellent release.
Widely regarded as the quintessential expression of the acclaimed Marlborough wine region, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is an international benchmark wine noted for its vibrant aromatics, layers of pure fruit flavours and fine structure.
Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc has an enticing nose, with appealing aromas of ripe honeydew melon, passionfruit, vibrant citrus and a subtle touch of fresh blackcurrant leaf. The palate is concentrated and elegant, with hints of fresh sea air balancing out the warmth of the ripe fruit notes at the wine’s core. Subtle tropical fruit characters are underpinned by freshening notes of makrut lime, lemongrass, Meyer lemon and a touch of grapefruit skin."
5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2023 Vintage)
"Crisp, uncompromisingly dry sauvignon blanc…intense, vibrant wine that lives up to its exalted reputation."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
4 Stars Yvonne Lorkin, December 2022 (2022 Vintage)
"Arriving in a new bottle embossed with ‘1985’ Cloudy’s foundation year and bearing a unique, glass-relief depiction of the iconic view of the Richmond Range overlooking the vineyards, the 2022 vintage is scented with classic green pea, capsicum and tropical, passionfruity, peachy characters. On the palate, the layers of citrus unfurl, lime, and lemon zest and they’re carried by crisp acidity across the long, herbaceous finish. Cleansing and classic."
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"New Zealand's most internationally acclaimed wine is sought after from Sydney to New York and London. Its irresistibly aromatic and zesty style and intense flavours stem from 'the fruit characters that are in the grapes when they arrive at the winery'. It is sourced from company-owned and several long-term contract growers' vineyards in the Rapaura, Fairhall, Renwick and Brancott districts of the Wairau Valley, Marlborough. The wine is mostly cool-fermented with cultured and indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks and aged on its yeast lees, and a small percentage of the blend (4 per cent in 2021) is fermented at warmer temperatures in old French barriques and large-format oak vats. Bright, light lemon/green, the stylish 2021 vintage (5*) is highly aromatic, weighty and sweet-fruited, with strong, vibrant, tropical fruit flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, that build well to a long, dry (2.6 grams/litre of residual sugar), appetisingly crisp finish. Best drinking 2023+."
Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, October 2021 (2021 Vintage)
"A super-classic with aromas of fresh basil and green apple, pink grapefruit and wet slate mineral scents. Vibrant and fresh on the palate with an abundance of acidity and mouthfeel, fresh fruit flavours of citrus and tree fruits, pineapple and fresh green herbs. Lengthy, balanced, salty and well made. Drink now and through 2025."