Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023

Category:
 
White Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Cloudy Bay
Label Name:
 
Chardonnay
Vintage:
 
2023
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
Marlborough (Wairau Valley & Southern Valleys)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Chardonnay
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
10-12°C

Awards/Ratings
92 points — James Suckling. Official tasting notes, bottle details and cellaring recommendation (drink now; age 5–10 years) on Cloudy Bay site

Tasting Note
Bright citrus, white nectarine and pear with ripe apricot, greengage and subtle hazelnut‑savoury oak; mineral, concentrated and mouthwatering with taut acidity and a refreshing finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled scallops, Caprese salad, soft cow’s cheeses, cream sauces, smoked or chargrilled fish; Asian: sushi/sashimi, miso‑glazed cod, steamed ginger‑scallion fish, mild coconut prawn or chicken dishes.

Production Method
Gentle pressing; juice settled and racked, then fermented in French oak barriques (20% new) and 6,000L cuves. Aged 11 months with 100% malolactic fermentation before blending.

Vineyard Info
Cloudy Bay, founded 1985 in Marlborough (now LVMH-owned), sources fruit from stony Wairau Valley and dense clay Southern Valleys (Barracks, Motukawa, Estate, Mustang, Brook Street).