Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay has become one of the world’s most recognised New Zealand wine brands. Te Koko is made from fruit from four prime vineyard parcels. It’s barrel-fermented with ‘wild’ indigenous yeasts for four to five months before spending 15 months on fine lees. New Zealand Tasting Panel: Roger Jones: Thai rice pudding with kaffir lime. Clean, focused and lingers for an age. The luxurious feeling at the end is immense; this is a stunning wine. Melanie Brown: Opulent and alluring. Shows how oak can heighten flavours and texture. Soft white peach and florals on a citrus base. Creamy centre with caramel popcorn and a pristine acid line. Beautiful. Rebecca Palmer: Attractive key lime characters, oak melding to create the silky, sleek palate.

Score: 98

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2022-2025+ 01 April 2022

Back after two years of absence (the quality was not judged good enough to create Te Koko in 2017 and 2018), the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Te Koko reflects the more precise viticulture and pared-back winemaking now going on at Cloudy Bay. From full malo and heaps of new oak, there's now just 8% new, 52% malo and 11 months on lees in the 2019, finishing in more reductive environment of tanks and cuves rather than bottles, which creates a more defined wine. The result is a savory, plush expression that expands in the mouth. It has a delightful creamy texture yet finishes with fine tension. Gone are the days of blowsy Te Koko. This has delightful acidity, smoky notes, hazelnut, pear and nougat on the long finish.

Score: 93

Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2029 01 October 2021