Renowned for its prestige and quality within New Zealand's wine industry, Cloudy Bay will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. To commemorate this milestone, the winery has unveiled its dreamlike new vintage, “the one that woke the world to white,” Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024. It is a fitting release for an anniversary year.

Cloudy Bay is a winery that revolutionized the New Zealand wine industry in 1985. Founder David Hohnen recognized the potential of the Marlborough region's climate and soil for winemaking and established Cloudy Bay. He focused on producing wines from grape varietals best suited to the land, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, which ultimately led to its growth into a globally recognized brand.

Cloudy Bay's Sauvignon Blanc is particularly celebrated for its pure fruit character and remarkable concentration, earning widespread acclaim from wine enthusiasts. It has become an iconic presence, often referred to as “the one that woke the world to white,” solidifying the status of New Zealand wine. Cloudy Bay is committed to winemaking that maximizes the potential of each grape varietal, meticulously selecting the finest grapes each year to consistently pursue the highest quality.

The 2024 vintage was characterized by record-breaking dry and hot conditions. While this was an exceptional year for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it presented unique challenges for Sauvignon Blanc. The dry climate delicately impacts this grape varietal, requiring the winery's winemakers to exercise meticulous care and effort in cultivating the grapes. Consequently, although the harvest volume was lower than in previous years, the grapes matured in ideal conditions, allowing their flavors to be fully expressed.

Cloudy Bay employs highly rigorous methods throughout its winemaking process. After harvesting, free-run juice is settled at low temperatures. Following racking, carefully selected yeasts are introduced. Fermentation primarily takes place in stainless steel tanks, though a portion of the juice (1.5%) is fermented in oak barrels to impart a complex texture to the wine. The yeasts used are selected by Cloudy Bay, with some also utilizing wild yeasts to add further depth and flavor.

Furthermore, the winemakers tasted 81 different wines, selecting 55 to blend into the final cuvée. The result is Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024, a wine worthy of celebrating the winery's 40th anniversary. The label is adorned with the words “40TH VINTAGE” in gold lettering, enhancing its special character.

This release boasts a flavor profile truly befitting the description of a "dream vintage." The aroma is subtle, with less pronounced tropical fruit nuances than previous vintages, replaced by a rich bouquet of citrus, lime leaf, apricot, and orange blossom. On the palate, delicate yet vibrant passionfruit notes unfold, harmonizing with complex flavors of white peach, pink grapefruit, pink peppercorn, and hibiscus, creating a full and captivating mouthfeel.

The acidity and salinity are beautifully balanced, leading to a long, memorable finish. It pairs exceptionally well with dishes that highlight the saltiness of ingredients, such as tempura and white fish, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is a testament to the meticulous care and passion of its winemakers, standing as a flagship creation for Cloudy Bay and a representative wine for the Sauvignon Blanc varietal that has continued to lead the New Zealand wine industry.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Volume | 750mL
Varietal | Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol | 13.5%
Price | ¥5,060