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Sauvignon Blanc (NZ) 2018

Cloudy Bay

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Tasting Notes

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.

Score: 92

Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2020 29 March 2019

2018 was a nerve-wracking vintage. The first half was mild - the warmest November and December on record - providing exceptional conditions for flowering. The latter half of the season saw 80mm of rain in just three days in Blenheim, in mid-March just before harvest. Helicopters flew just a metre above the vines in an attempt to dry the grapes out before picking, and the team had a four-day window to pick between storms. They left 30% of the crop on the ground. Of the 96 separate batches produced in 2018, 67 made it into the final blend. The resulting wine has some subtle vegetal notes alongside gooseberry, passionfruit and some steeliness. The palate is very fresh, with a steely citrus attack developing into fuller mango and passionfruit notes. A zesty, lime-edged acidity provides balance, and there's a hint of grip on the long, fresh finish.

Score: 91

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2022 08 October 2018

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. Drink now. Screw cap.

Score: 91

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 08 October 2018