Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Winery Background:

Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985 in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It is one of the most famous producers of Sauvignon Blanc, widely credited for putting New Zealand wine, especially Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, on the global map. The winery is named after the nearby Cloudy Bay, which was named by Captain James Cook in the 18th century. The cool climate and gravelly soils of Marlborough provide the perfect conditions for producing aromatic, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, which has become Cloudy Bay’s signature wine.

The 2021 vintage saw a cooler growing season in Marlborough, with slow ripening and excellent flavor development in the grapes, leading to wines with balanced acidity, purity, and aromatic intensity.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Pale straw with greenish hues.

• Nose: The nose is fresh and intense, with vibrant aromas of ripe citrus, grapefruit, lime, and passion fruit, complemented by tropical notes of guava and mango, as well as herbal hints of fresh-cut grass and capsicum.

• Palate: Crisp, refreshing, and zesty on the palate, this Sauvignon Blanc has bright acidity, with flavors of juicy lime, green apple, and tropical fruits like pineapple and passion fruit. There’s also a subtle minerality and a long, clean finish, making it both lively and satisfying.

• Aging Potential: Best enjoyed young, within 1-3 years of release, to capture its bright, fresh characteristics.

Wine Pairing:

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021 pairs beautifully with a wide variety of light and fresh dishes:

• Seafood: Grilled fish, shrimp, oysters, and sushi.

• Salads: Green salads with citrus vinaigrette or goat cheese.

• Vegetarian: Asparagus, artichokes, or light vegetable risottos.

• Cheeses: Fresh, tangy cheeses like chèvre or feta.

• Poultry: Grilled chicken with herbs, or chicken salads.

Scores:

• Wine Spectator: 91 points

• Wine Enthusiast: 92 points

• James Suckling: 93 points

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is a vibrant, zesty, and fresh expression of New Zealand’s most famous white grape variety. It continues to exemplify the style that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc so iconic.