A Taste of Luxury for Only $27.99

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is one of our top sellers during the warmer months.  Last year, the 2014 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough was ranked #21 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list and there’s no guess why.  David Hohnen, the founder of Cloudy Bay, hit the nail on the head when he said that “Many people can remember their first taste of Cloudy Bay, they were captivated by the wine.” We recently received the 2015 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough and Iwas eager to see what this vintage would bring to the table. 

Cloudy Bay was established in 1985 by Hohnen who was one of only five wine makers to explore Marlborough and take a chance on the land.  At the time, a vineyard in this location would’ve been unthinkable, but not for Hohnen. He had a hunch that the land would produce great wine and was determined to prove it, which he did and continues to do so year after year.  

Over the years, Cloudy Bay became a brand name that coincided with luxury. So much so that Cloudy Bay is now a subsidiary of the wine and spirits company, Moet Hennessy, who is owned by luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH - Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. To have name brand recognition such as LVMH, Cloudy Bay is obviously doing something right and after tasting their 2015 release, I must agree.  

When the temperatures start to rise, my first instinct is to head to the beach, not only for fun in the sun, but also for fresh seafood.  I decided to take my bottle to an oyster bar and pair it with a wonderful selection of raw, east coast oysters.  The Cloudy Bay is a twist top, which was actually very convenient for my table. We twisted and poured our chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, swirled our glasses once or twice and dug in.  I couldn’t imagine a better bottle to enjoy with this dish.

My first sip was light, crisp and refreshing with notes of white peach and wet stone that complemented the seafood perfectly. This bottle is a classic and a must for the summer.  For only $27.99 a bottle, you could have a case of the 30th Anniversary Sauvignon Blanc from one of New Zealand’s leading regions that is sure to please! 

“Bright, pale yellow. Lovely penetrating aromas and flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, lemon zest, spices and minerals. Bone-dry but the oak element rounds off the wine and contributes a subtle sweetness to its savory, very pure lemon and grapefruit flavors. Fine-grained Sauvignon Blanc with gentle but present acidity and attractive texture and lift. Hints at nettles but this is not a pungently herbal style in 2015. Finishes round and long.” Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com - 91 points