Over the last several years, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand has taken the world by storm and Cloudy Bay Vineyards is one of the more notable producers. They are situated in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island. This unique and cool wine region enjoys a maritime climate with the longest hours of sunshine of any place in New Zealand. Cloudy Bay has estate vineyards located at prime sites within the Wairau Valley, and long-term supply agreements with five Wairau Valley growers. Hence, the quality of their wines is consistently high.

Here’s what our tasting panel thought about a few of their current releases:


Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Marlborough, NZ

Year: 2011

Price: 20-25

Review

Swirl a glass and enjoy notes of grapefruit, pear, and lemon that mingle with suggestions of grass and minerals. Flavors of citrus fruits and gooseberries emerge on the palate along with mineraly and weedy nuances. A lovely, crisp white with a moderate herbaceous character, if you like a nice balance of fruit and non-fruit flavors, try this bottle for yourself.

Rating: 90

 

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Region: Marlborough, NZ

Year: 2007

Price: 25-30

Review

A bouquet of ruby red grapefruit, vanilla, toasty oak, and pistachios rises up from glass. A sip reveals flavors of tart pineapple and citrus fruits with accents of smoky oak and slightly sweet nutty suggestions. A lively, out-of the-ordinary Chardonnay that’s crisper than most from California, people that normally drink Sauvignon Blanc ought to give this wine a try.

Rating: 88

 

Grape(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Marlborough, NZ

Year: 2009

Price: 30-35

Review

Aromas of strawberries and cherries meld with suggestions of earth and smoky oak on the nose. Flavors of red berries meld with notes of truffles, minerals, and game on the palate. An lighter Pinot, with moderate acidity, fans of easy going Pinots with a dry finish ought to give this wine a try.

Rating: 88