Cloudy Bay Vineyards is a winery in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. The winery is primarily noted for its Sauvignon blanc wines, and have played an important pioneering role in establishing New Zealand's and Marlborough's reputation. Cloudy Bay's first commercial vintage was produced in 1985 from purchased grapes, and the company later planted its own vineyards. It was one of the first New Zealand wines to be widely exported and came to attention because its fruit-forward style and very pronounced varietal character. The classic French Sauvignon blancs from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from the Loire Valley were typically more restrained and austere in comparison, and with higher acid levels. Cloudy Bay winery was established in 1985 by David Hohnen, the founder of Margaret River winery Cape Mentelle Vineyards. Cloudy Bay's 140 hectares (350 acres) of vineyards are located at three sites in the winegrowing region of Marlborough, including areas close to the bay for which they are named. The region is noted for its production of Sauvignon blanc wines. The vines are planted on deep alluvial gravels. Five long-term contract growers also work closely with Cloudy Bay.
James Suckling 92 A fresh, creamy-textured white with lots of freshness and lovely pear and green-apple character. Some white pineapple. Its medium-bodied with crisp acidity and
Wine Spectator 93 "Vibrant and expressive, with bold Key lime, passion fruit and tangerine flavors that are succulent and show off details of litsea, lemon verbena
James Suckling 91 "This iconic Marlborough sauvignon is in full tropical-fruit mode in 2018, bursting with passion fruit and limes, as well as sweet melon and
" Cloudy Bay has built a reputation for refined, elegant Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2017 vintage is no exception despite critical harvest conditions: lower quantities
A vibrant mix of Kaffir lime, lemon zest, and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with bright citrus and stone fruit
Brigh, focuses citrus aromatics of grapefruit and kafir lime abound, supported by subtle tropical notes. A silky concentrated palate reveals ripe, juicy stone fruit and
Wine Spectator 93 Top 100 Wines of 2015, Rank: 21 "Stylish and generous, exhibiting a complex array of flavors, from white grapefruit and lemon curd to candied
"Zesty lime and grapefruit aromas are the first to emerge from the nose of our 2013 sauvignon blanc, followed by nectarine and lemongrass tones. The
"The 2012 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc shows lifted notes of elderflower,green lime zest and stone fruit.The palate is ripe,fine and succulent, offering lively ripe citrus
Wine Spectator 91 "Focused and pure, offering a tangy expression of balanced lemon, white peach, tangerine, passion fruit, melon and green tea notes. This is powerful
"Mouth-watering aromas of passionfruit and lemongrass led with the spiciness of just-picked tomatoes tossed with fresh basil. Many small parcels of fruit, ripened under ideal
Robert Parker 90 "The 2006 Pinot Noir has a lovely nose with superb delineation: black cherries, talcum, plum and a touch of violets (far superior to
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