Viniou Reviews
The 2023 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is a celebrated expression of New Zealand's flagship grape. Crafted entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, this wine stands out for its vibrant aromatic profile, typically marked by intense notes of passionfruit, gooseberry, citrus, and freshly cut grass. The 2023 vintage benefits from a finely balanced growing season, resulting in a particularly crisp acidity and a pure, mineral-driven finish. The winemaking is meticulous, with careful fruit selection and cool fermentation in stainless steel to emphasise the grape's innate freshness and aromatic lift, occasionally complemented by brief lees contact for texture.
The Marlborough region, situated at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is renowned internationally for producing Sauvignon Blanc of remarkable character. The climate here is cool and maritime, with ample sunshine hours and significant diurnal temperature variation, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and preserve brisk acidity. Marlborough's soils are predominantly ancient riverbed gravels, contributing to excellent drainage and subtle mineral nuances in the wines. Since the late 1970s, this region has been at the forefront of New Zealand's wine revolution, with Cloudy Bay as a pioneering estate instrumental in gaining global acclaim for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
This wine’s zesty character and pronounced aromatics make it especially versatile at the table. Classic pairings include fresh oysters, steamed mussels, or green-lipped mussels—a local delicacy in New Zealand. It also pairs wonderfully with goat’s cheese, particularly in a salad with asparagus or peas. Asian-inspired dishes, especially those featuring lime, coriander, or lemongrass, can complement the wine’s herbal notes. For a regional touch, try it with Marlborough king salmon, either lightly cured or served sashimi-style.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Sauvignon Blanc well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. In order to fully appreciate its aromatic intensity and refreshing acidity, use medium-sized white wine glasses and enjoy it within a few years of the vintage for maximum vibrancy.
