Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
We've been strong supporters of Cloudy Bay for many years, and remember when the Sauvignon Blanc first arrived in the UK. It was a turning point for the New Zealand wine industry - an iconic wine was born, people just couldn't get enough (and still can't) of this brave, clean, zingy, incredibly aromatic wine. Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc was launched, and Cloudy Bay propelled the grape variety and New Zealand into the limelight.
NEW! Now released...
Cloudy Bay Gewürztraminer 2007
A lovely lemon colour in the glass, this gorgeous Gewürztraminer is aromatic and vbrant with aromas of lychees, rose petals, peaches and vanilla, as well as a hint of créme brûlée (yum!). Rich and round, it has good weight with a refreshing grapefruit finish. Lovely! It's the perfect white to pair with spicy Asian dishes such as Thai fish cales or chilli ginger prawns,
Watch Winemaker Tim Heath taste the 2009 vintage here
The 2009 vintage marks the 25th vintage of this iconic wine.
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Cloudy Bay
A little bit of history
The winery takes its name from a bay at the eastern extremity of the Wairau Valley, and was named by Captain Cook on his voyage to New Zealand in 1770. The winery was set up in 1985 by Cape Mentelle (who are based in Western Australia - have a look at the two wineries' labels - it's clear that they are from the same family). Cloudy Bay's winery and vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough. This cool wine region enjoys a maritime climate with the longest hours of sunshine of any place in New Zealand. The soils here are deep and mineral-rich - formed from glacial outwash deposits and river gravels, silts and clays - and are well drained, with a good, pure water supply at depth. Perfect, therefore, for growing top quality grapes.
Here's what the winemakers have got to say about their 2009 Sauvignon Blanc
"Generosity is the defining word for the 2009 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Its aromatics encapsulate a broad spectrum of varietal flavours; tropical fragrances of guava and mango to ripe lime/ citrus and sweet herbs. The palate also is juicy and voluminous, combining concentrated flavours with a mineral acidity that leaves a long, fresh, intense finish".
Food recommendations
"Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc combines beautifully with fresh, light flavours. Asian-inspired cuisine is ideal, in particular lemongrass, mild chilli, fresh coriander, and basil, support the wine's pure fruit flavours. The quintessential regional match is with Marlborough greenshell mussels."
Our view here is, don't worry about the food - put a bottle in the fridge, invite your best friends over, serve and enjoy - it's one of the most delicious, freshest, crispest, pure and aromatic white wines you could ever get into your glass. Lots of superlatives, but justly employed in this case.
More wines from Cloudy Bay
Tasting notes are from the Cloudy Bay winemakers.
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2007 Chardonnay
"An irresistible mix of ripe citrus and toasted nut aromas reminiscent of grapefruit, fig and pistachio biscotti taken with chamomile tea. The palate leads with savoury notes which give way to a taut citrus core, revealing the vibrant Marlborough fruit. Natural yeast fermentation and judicious oak handling combine to deliver a refined and textural finish. Expect the 2007 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay to age gracefully over the next five to seven years".
Food matches
"Cloudy Bay Chardonnay is a full-bodied wine and its rich texture is enhanced by creamy dishes. The oak influence is subtle and therefore tends to support, rather than overpower, delicate flavours. Salmon, pan-fried or baked with crispy skin, is a quintessential Marlborough match".
Pelorus NV
Pelorus NV remains on its yeast 'lees' for two years prior to disgorging and is a chardonnay-predominant blend of selected vintages. It is a fresh, apéritif style sparkling wine with apple-crisp flavours, underpinned by nutty yeast complexity derived from two years bottle maturation on lees.
Why Pelorus?
Apparently, 'Pelorus Jack' was a famous dolphin who, for more than 20 years around the turn of last century, met the steamers crossing between the two main islands of New Zealand and escorted them through the Marlborough Sounds. His descendants abound in the waters of Cloudy Bay and their image has become the symbol of Pelorus.
