Cloudy Bay 2024
Cloudy Bay’s 2024 Sauvignon Blanc promises to be another exceptional release, thanks to the meticulous attention given to each step of the winemaking process. As Operations Winemaker Daniel Sorrell explains, “We treat every wine as if it will make the blend and try our best to make everything at the highest quality. If it’s not good enough to make the blend, it doesn’t go in.” This unwavering commitment to quality has been a hallmark of Cloudy Bay since its founding in 1985.
The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are primarily sourced from vineyards in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, where gravelly soils and a moderate climate create optimal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. However, the 2024 growing season presented unique challenges. It began with an unusually cold and unsettled period, including frosts during flowering that reduced yields. Marlborough then experienced its driest period on record, leading to a mid-March drought declaration. The vines relied almost entirely on irrigation, though the intense sunshine also helped keep disease pressure low.
Despite these challenges, the warm weather and cooler nights provided favourable conditions for ripening. The grapes reached their peak under nearly perfect conditions, with every block achieving its full potential. Daniel recalls the accelerated ripening pace as both exhilarating and demanding, explaining, “The speed the grapes were ripening due to the warm, dry summer was faster than any of us had seen before... it was just a bit of a guessing game sometimes as to which blocks would ripen next!”
After harvest, the winemaking process involved precise techniques to preserve the wine’s complexity and texture. The free-run juice underwent cold settling and was fermented mainly in stainless steel tanks, with 1.5% fermented in large-format oak vats at warmer temperatures. A small portion of the blend was also fermented with wild yeast to enhance texture. In total, 81 portions were evaluated, with 55 selected to create the final blend—a testament to Cloudy Bay’s uncompromising standards.
The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that embodies Marlborough’s character while offering something unique. On the nose, the 2024 vintage is slightly more restrained than previous years, revealing aromas of citrus, apricot, and orange blossom. The palate balances stone fruit, pink peppercorn, and passionfruit, with a long, saline-citrus finish that lingers beautifully. This wine pairs perfectly with seafood, salads, and goat cheese. As Daniel advises, “If it goes with lemon, it goes with Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc!”
The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is available at an RRP of £31.99 (£23.99 in a Mix 6) at Majestic.
