Cloudy Bay
Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023
| Denomination | N/A |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Area | New Zealand (New Zealand) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Pinot Nero |
| Aging | Aged in French oak (35% new barrels) for 11 months. |
Description
What kind of wine it is
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir by Cloudy Bay is a still red wine from the Marlborough denomination that masterfully interprets the characteristics of Pinot Noir grown in New Zealand. Aged in oak barrels, it appears in the glass as an intense ruby red with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, violet and sweet spices. On the palate, it is elegant and medium-bodied, with fine, silky tannins, fresh acidity and a harmonious finish with hints of coffee, toasted bread and a smoky note, ideal for pairing with mature cheeses and lamb.
Where it comes from
This red originates from carefully selected plots south of the Wairau Valley, including the Mustang and Barracks vineyards. In this specific subzone, the vines sink their roots into a subsoil composed of clay and silt, protected by a surface layer of gravel. This particular soil composition encourages the development of a solid structure and ensures a clear fruity expression. The Cloudy Bay winery has been cultivating its vineyards in this area since 1985, standing out as one of the first to recognise and enhance the winemaking potential of the Marlborough region.
How it is produced
The process begins with manual harvesting, followed by the destemming of most of the bunches, leaving a small portion intact to add further complexity. Fermentation takes place in open vessels, spontaneously triggered by the indigenous yeasts naturally present on the skins. Maceration lasts for about eighteen days, promoting the proper extraction of colour and a delicate integration of tannins. Afterwards, the wine matures for eleven months in French oak barrels, some of which are new: a crucial step that allows the toasted notes to harmonise with the lively fruity component of the Pinot Noir.
History and Curiosities
Founded in 1985, Cloudy Bay was the pioneering winery that revealed Marlborough’s exceptional winemaking potential. The 2023 vintage is the result of a careful selection of Pinot Noir grapes from the Mustang and Barracks vineyards, south of the Wairau Valley. Awarded 93 points by James Suckling, this red embodies the pure New Zealand essence. Designed to stand the test of time, it offers extraordinary longevity, evolving in the bottle for up to fifteen years and confirming itself as a solid international benchmark.
Awards
-
2023
93/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2023
90/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2023
92/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
14 -16 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1985
The winery was named after Cloudy Bay, a stretch of water explorer Captain James Cook came across during his voyage to New Zealand in 1770. His discovery coincided with flooding in the region, which washed large amounts of sediment into the sea. Noticing the water’s opaque appearance, Cook cleverly christened the area Cloudy Bay.
Today, Cloudy Bay not only captures the essence of Marlborough but also embodies New Zealand's luxury to the world. The luxury of space and time, of intimate moments and nature’s rarest qualities. Read more
| Name | Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | N/A |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Pinot Nero |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | New Zealand |
| Vendor | Cloudy Bay |
| Story | History and Curiosities Founded in 1985, Cloudy Bay was the pioneering winery that revealed Marlborough’s exceptional winemaking potential. The 2023 vintage is the result of a careful selection of Pinot Noir grapes from the Mustang and Barracks vineyards, south of the Wairau Valley. Awarded 93 points by James Suckling, this red embodies the pure New Zealand essence. Designed to stand the test of time, it offers extraordinary longevity, evolving in the bottle for up to fifteen years and confirming itself as a solid international benchmark. |
| Origin | Marlborough (south of the Wairau Valley), New Zealand |
| Soil composition | Clay and silt subsoil with a surface layer of gravel |
| Harvest | From 24 March to 11 April |
| Fermentation | Approximately 18 days |
| Production technique | Manual harvest; destemming of the bunches; fermentation in open vats with indigenous yeasts; maceration on the skins for about 18 days; ageing for 11 months in French oak barriques (35% new). |
| Wine making | Manual harvest; destemming of the bunches; fermentation in open vats with indigenous yeasts and maceration on the skins for about 18 days; ageing for 11 months in French oak (35% new barrels). |
| Aging | Aged in French oak (35% new barrels) for 11 months. |
| Total acidity | 5.7 gr/L |
| PH | 3.57 |
| Residual sugar | 2.0 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |