Cloudy Bay
Manufacturer:
See Decanter experts' rating, tasting notes and drinking window for Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2012.
Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2012.
Individual judges’ scores: Melanie Brown 90 Roger Jones 80 Peter McCombie 85.
Melanie Brown: Smokey ashtray aromas are balanced by overipe pears and stonefruit. Delicate and subtle fruit flavours complement the minerality that runs through and offers a delightfully well balanced finish.
Roger Jones: Opulent nose, rich tropical fruit, but I can detect some lack of freshness here, lacking sunshine.
Peter McCombie: Pungent, fruity, maybe just a bit confected.
Producer:
Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay was founded by David Hohnen and Kevin Judd, and is now owned by luxury goods giant LVMH. It is situated in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine growing region and home of some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc.
The winery’s plots, all based in the northern end of the South Island, benefit from the longest hours of sunshine in the country with coastal influences providing cool, clear nights. The area boasts two main types of soil which shape the different wines Cloudy Bay makes: ‘You’ve either got a clay based soil or a gravel based type of soil.’
Cloudy Bay owns four vineyard sites around the valley – two of which are 100% Sauvignon Blanc focused – Estate Vineyard and Widow’s Block. Two are based on the southern side of the valley – Barracks Vineyard, which is 100% Pinot Noir, and Mustang Vineyard, which has a mixture of the two varieties.
Details
Wine name: Cloudy Bay
Wine classification:
Wine alcohol content: 13.5%
Wine colour: White
Wine vintage: 2012
Price: £20.99
Wine style: White, Medium bodied