Cloudy Bay 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough New Zealand

The name Cloudy Bay has become synonymous with outstanding New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Captain Cook coined the phrase on his voyage to New Zealand in 1770, giving the name to the bay at the east end of Wairau Valley. The winery and vineyards are situated there at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island. This unique, cool wine growing region enjoys a maritime climate with the longest hours of sunshine of any place in New Zealand. The winery owns over 200 acres of estate vineyards there and continues to turn out some of New Zealand's best wines.

James Suckling scored this 91 points saying "This iconic Marlborough sauvignon is in full tropical-fruit mode in 2018, bursting with passion fruit and limes, as well as sweet melon and peaches. The palate is packed with flavor. Passion fruit and mango rule the finish."

and Decanter Magazine also scored it 91 saying "New Zealand's most famous Sauvignon Blanc debuted in 1985 and its 34th vintage is an elegant yet juicy example. The warmth of the season has brought ripe tropical fruit flavours and more breadth to the mid-palate although the 'ripe yet green' characteristics of Marlborough are still in evidence, with subtle elderflower and gooseberry adding piquancy. It has a lovely acid balance on the medium-length finish."

and the Wine Advocate scored it 92 saying "In another tricky vintage, the team at Cloudy Bay has turned out one of their best recent efforts. The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc boasts notes of gooseberries and pineapple up front, and shows lovely harmony and roundness on the palate. It's medium-bodied and easy to drink, with hints of nectarine and pink grapefruit joining in on the creamy-textured palate and long, silky finish."