Brilliant fruit flavors and intense varietal character are the hallmarks of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Often reminiscent of gooseberries, lychees and other tropical fruits, the intense flavors of this exuberant wine are backed up with bracing acidity. Vinification methods retain the freshness of the distinctive fruit characteristics with a portion barrel-fermented to enhance palate structure. Enjoy this wine in its youth for its startlingly fresh, racy aromas and tangy, flavorsome palate.
Grapes were sourced from eight estate and grower vineyards located in the Rapaura, Fairhall, Renwick and Brancott sub-regions of the Wairau Valley. Free draining, stony soils typify the Rapaura and Renwick areas whilst Fairhall and Brancott are predominantly fine alluvial loams containing some clay. The majority of fruit was grown on the divided Scott Henry trellis system with the exception of a small percentage of young vines. Crops were thinned in January to ensure the grapes reached full maturity and yields averaged 10.7 Tonne/hectare (4.3 Tonne/acre).
