Cloudy Bay is an institution when it comes to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It was one of the first labels from Marlborough that really broke into the UK market in the mid-80s and has been held in high regard ever since, a consistent favourite among those that first tried it all those years ago. So it’s no wonder that many people consider their visit to Cloudy Bay’s winery as a pilgrimage of sorts.
“We get people who come here because they first tasted our 1986 vintage and have been hooked ever since, or they served Cloudy Bay at their wedding or other memorable moments,” Nicky Hewett, who has been at Cloudy Bay for over a decade, explains the infatuation. One of the high points of visiting Cloudy Bay for a private tasting is that they do their best to source a back vintage for you – whether it is the wine you had at your wedding or when your first child was born (wine production started in 1985 so few people will have their birth year available). My special back vintage was a 2006, for no special reason, but special on the day because it showed beautifully (see tasting notes below).
Wine tasting is universally one of the most enjoyable experiences of visiting a winery, but for me a highlight is always visiting the vineyards. And doing so around Cloudy Bay’s vineyards in two of the major sub-regions of Marlborough is done rather stylishly in a 1985 Landrover named Dave. It’s important to know that Dave has a fridge filled with bubbles… perfect for a sunset pitstop among the vines!
While we were in and amongst vines (pre-bubbles), I asked Nicky to give me a quick overview of the terroir of Marlborough and the important elements to understanding its Sauvignon Blanc:
And we also visited the southern valleys vineyard (post-bubbles) to see the differences there:
On our return to the winery, Nicky and I sat down to taste through some of Cloudy Bay’s wines – and most especially through their Sauvignon Blanc range, which you can see here:
Do you have a memorable Cloudy Bay wine moment? Or any other special Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough that marked an event in your life? Share your wine dribbles and comments below!
If you are planning a visit to Marlborough and Cloudy Bay, my visit was in association with Wine Paths: offering luxury and exclusive wine tours and experiences in wine regions around the world. You can book your own visit to Cloudy Bay online here.
Cloudy Bay wine tasting notes
Cloudy Bay Pelorus N/V
This Chardonnay and Pinot Noir traditional method sparkling wine is made with two years on the lees, giving it a nice toastiness and richness on the nose while showing that bright Marlborough fruit and maritime acidity and fresh finish. A lovely and good value, traditional-method bubbly.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Cloudy Bay set the standard for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc back in the 80s, and the trademark gooseberry, lime, grapefruit and bright tropical fruit notes are always present in this wine. As always, the latest vintage comes out on 1 October of the same vintage year. So even though the 2017 will soon disappear, it’s lively and vibrant now. Perfect for oysters!
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006
There are appealing kerosene notes coming through with this older vintage which has a waxiness of citrus confit and lemon curd. Still fresh, bright and vibrant after 12 years in the bottle, which goes to prove that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc can be aged for a long time.
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2016
From their more clay-based soils in the southern valley, using the low-yielding Mendoza clone, this hand-picked Chardonnay is fermented in oak and uses native yeasts. The baking spice notes on the nose are the giveaway that this is an oak-aged Chardonnay but there is lovely bright acidity, together with stone fruit aromatics on the palate and the richness is well balanced with a fresh and lively finish.
Cloudy Bay Te Koko 2014
This barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc has lovely raspy notes of gooseberry with tropical yellow fruit on the palate and some weight and freshness. It is bright and fruit-forward, leaving no hint of its oak-ageing – only in the texture, which has great length and presence. Yummy, a very food-friendly style.
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2015
A bright and juicy Pinot Noir which reflects the sunny climate of Marlborough and is very New World in style. Bright cherry on the nose with a peppery and crunchy finish.
Cloudy Bay Te Wahi 2015
This is their top Pinot Noir and comes from an altogether different vineyard – from down in Central Otago. There are wonderfully intense red fruit aromas matched with some spiciness, meatiness and floral notes. It’s a foodie Pinot with freshness but also some texture and weight on the palate.
