Viniou Reviews
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is a benchmark example of the grape variety from New Zealand’s famed Marlborough region. This wine is crafted exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from carefully managed vineyards on stony alluvial soils. The 2022 vintage benefited from a mild spring and a long, cool growing season, allowing for slow ripening and optimal flavour development. The vinification at Cloudy Bay typically utilises stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic freshness and the vivacious fruit character that the region is renowned for. On the nose, you’ll discover vibrant notes of passion fruit, elderflower, gooseberry, and zesty citrus, while the palate is marked by a racy acidity, a textured mid-palate and a clean, mineral-tinged finish.
Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, is celebrated worldwide for pioneering a style of Sauvignon Blanc that is aromatic, crisp and intensely expressive. The region’s unique terroir is shaped by abundant sunshine, significant diurnal temperature variation, and free-draining gravel soils, all of which contribute to the striking aromatic intensity and fresh acidity of its wines. The proximity to the ocean tempers extremes, ensuring slow, steady ripening. Since the 1980s, Marlborough has led the charge for New Zealand wine on the international stage, with Cloudy Bay among its most influential ambassadors.
This vivacious Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the delicacy and freshness of shellfish, such as oysters, green-lipped mussels, or a classic ceviche. Its citrus-driven profile also makes it a wonderful match for goat’s cheese salads, asparagus risotto, or fresh Asian-inspired dishes like Vietnamese summer rolls or sushi. For a local touch, consider enjoying it alongside whitebait fritters, a New Zealand favourite.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Its energising acidity and aromatic lift are at their best when the wine is fresh, so savour it within a couple of years of its vintage. Allow it a few moments in the glass to let its complex aromas unfurl.
