Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2021 The Wine Gate Shop
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2021 The Wine Gate Shop
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2021 The Wine Gate Shop
New Zealand

Marlborough – Marlborough

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2021

Shipped in original cardboard case

In stock

Estimated UPS delivery within 8 days

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JAMES SUCKLING

The estate

David Hohnen is credited with the creation of Cloudy Bay, having been one of the first to see the exceptional potential of New Zealand's Marlborough Valley for the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

In 1985, Cloudy Bay produced its first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc, a wine with character.

Today, Cloudy Bay produces a variety of wines from its Marlborough terroirs, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and traditional method Pelorus. The quality and diversity of these wines are a testament to the unique conditions that have made Marlborough an exceptional wine region.

Cloudy Bay wines are an invitation to discover the wonders of New Zealand.

The vineyard

With yields lower than the regional average, attention to detail is essential in Cloudy Bay's vineyards. Lower yields allow for concentrated flavor and complexity in the grapes. The Cloudy Bay team handles them delicately in the cellar, ensuring that what you taste in the glass is a true reflection of the vintage and the vineyard.

Each June, the blending committee evaluates nearly 90 Sauvignon Blanc samples from separate parcels, then selects the wines that will make up the final blend. In some years, the decision is made to deselect up to 30% of the samples, ensuring the same quality year after year.

The Vintage

Chardonnay comes from a combination of vineyards, chosen for their complementary soil types. The warm, gravelly soils of the Wairau Valley and the cooler clay soils of the southern valleys are used in unison to provide a great balance of ripeness and elegance.



After a gentle pressing, the juice was settled and racked before being transferred to French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Half of them were put in barrels without racking. After fermentation, the wine rested in barrel for 11 months before blending. 78% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.

Information

  • Domain Cloudy Bay
  • Color
    White
  • Vintage 2020
  • Variety 100% Chardonnay
  • Alcohol degrees13.7°

Tasting Notes

Eye, bouquet, palate

The nose is immediately open, with expressive notes of stone fruit, orchard blossoms and subtle custard and hazelnut notes.

The palate is taut and vibrant, with a mouthwatering citrus freshness framing a core of conference pore and white nectarine. A touch of well-integrated toasty oak mingles with layers of savory textures and leads to a long, elegant finish.

Wine and food pairing