White SelectionOctober 2023

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc$35

"This is the wine that put New Zealand on the global map. The 2023 vintage is as vibrant as ever, bursting with tropical fruit, lime zest, and that unmistakable herbaceous quality. It is crisp, refreshing, and incredibly aromatic, making it the perfect companion for fresh seafood or a sunny afternoon on the terrace."

Terroir

Marlborough, New Zealand

Drinking Window

2023 - 2026

Serving Temp

45-50°F (7-10°C)

Aging Potential

Drink Now

Sommelier Food Pairings

Fresh oystersGoat cheese saladThai green curry

Shop this Vintage — $35

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The Full Tasting Note

How this bottle showed at our tasting bench

Nose

Explosively aromatic: passionfruit and lime zest leap from the glass, backed by fresh-cut grass, gooseberry, and a cool riverstone note.

Palate

Crisp and precise — tropical fruit up front, then zesty citrus acidity that carries lime pith and herbaceous snap through a taut mid-palate.

Finish

Clean, dry, and refreshing, closing on grapefruit and a saline echo that begs for oysters.

What We Love

Still the global benchmark for Marlborough — remarkable consistency vintage after vintage
Intensely aromatic and refreshing without residual-sugar tricks
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that seafood makes even better

What to Know

You pay $10-12 over comparable Marlborough bottles largely for the label's pedigree
Built to drink within 2-3 years — this is not a wine to forget in the cellar

How It Compares

Side by side with the Duckhorn Napa Sauvignon Blanc, the Cloudy Bay is the electric, herbaceous extrovert while the Duckhorn is rounder and more restrained — pick by mood: raw shellfish points here, richer fish dishes point to Napa. Read our Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc review →

Convinced? Buy the Cloudy Bay — $35

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Featured In

This bottle appears in our buying guides

Best Wines for Summer Entertaining→Best Wines to Pair with Seafood→Best Wines for Beginners→