At a glance

Producer

Cloudy Bay Vineyards Ltd

Region

Marlborough, New Zealand

Grape variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Wine type

White

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$80

Tasting profile

Complex layers of smoky lees influence accompany lively grapefruit, citrus peel, and herbal notes with a creamy mouthfeel.

Evolution: Developing subtle nutty and honeyed nuances with bottle age while retaining vibrant acidity.

At peak: Balanced integration of fruit and lees character, creamy texture with a long, savory finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, bright and zesty

Tannins

Minimal (white wine)

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

10-14 years from vintage due to lees aging and bottle development

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2043

Optimal window

2021 to 2046

Current status

At early peak development

Current condition

Showing vibrant aromatics with layered complexity; youthful freshness well preserved

The extended lees fermentation and partial barrel aging add structure and complexity, allowing the wine to benefit from bottle aging for over a decade while maintaining its hallmark Marlborough brightness and varietal intensity.

Food pairing

Grilled seafood (scallops, prawns), roasted chicken with herbs, creamy pasta dishes, goat cheese, Asian-style cuisine with citrus and ginger.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Cloudy Bay employs integrated pest management, minimal chemical use, water conservation, and energy-efficient winery operations. Cork closures reduce packaging footprint.

Cloudy Bay is recognized for sustainability efforts typical for major New Zealand producers, including responsible vineyard management and energy efficiency. While export transportation adds to carbon emissions, they offset through sustainability certification and eco-conscious practices at the vineyard and winery.