Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023
2023, Marlborough, New Zealand
Profile & Story
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023 is one for connoisseurs and gastronomic adventurers: refined, poised and balanced. Painstakingly made using traditional techniques, it is a true ‘food wine’. Fruit from vineyards in the stony soils of Wairau Valley and the dense clay of the Southern Valleys work together to create a wine that marries ripe stone fruit and citrusy elegance. Alter gentle pressing, the juice was settled and racked before being transferred to French oak barriques (of which 20% were new) and new 6-kilolitre cuves. After fermentation, the wine rested in barrel and cuve for 11 months before blending. 100% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.
Tasting Notes
Open and expressive on the nose, with enticing notes of white nectarine, pear and cItrus complemented by a touch of subtle savoury oak. This wine is taut at first. unfurling in the glass to reveal notes of vibrant citrus, just-ripe apricot, greengage and a refreshing vein of minerality that adds a sense of drive to the concentrated and mouthwatering palate.
Pairing Recommendation
Our Chardonnay is a natural match for just about everything, but especially seafood and other bright or creamy flavours. Try it with Caprese salad, soft cows’ cheeses, cream sauces or anything smoked or chargrilled.