Wine Reviews

Wine Review: 2017 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc was never one of my favourite wines when I first started out. I didn’t really “get it”. But when I started to get more into researching different varietals and understanding why each wine has the characteristics that it does, it suddenly clicked for me.

During that research, I was made a point of diving into the differences between French and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc styles.

Curious? Check out my article “Wine Baby’s Guide to Sauvignon Blanc” for the low down.

While learning about the New Zealand side, I learned that this one particular wine was *the wine* that put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the map, that made the wine world sit up and pay attention.

Obviously, I had to try it.

Originally I assumed that because it was such a pivotal wine that it would be expensive and hard to find, but to my pleasant surprise, I have been able to find bottles at nearly every generic wine store I go to and it’s a totally reasonable price for every day drinking. Yay!

After that first tasting, I knew I would have to do a review for you guys. It’s so flavourful and fun, and truly a great introduction to New Zealand Sauv Blancs. I hope you’ll join me!

THE LOOK

Alright, got your glass? Let’s begin.

This wine is a beautiful pale lemon. You can almost see the hint of green that is going to be mirrored on the nose in a minute.

As I watch it slide down the inside of my glass after a swirl, I note that it’s not very viscous at all. It’s very light, and in fact almost water-like.

THE AROMAS

The aromas are absolutely popping out of this glass. I could start to smell it as soon as it left the bottle, and the aromas are so powerful that I can even start to pick out the different notes from chest height.

It’s overflowing with green and tropical notes. Banana, papaya, pineapple, guava, melon, lush green grass and green tea.

It smells smooth and soft, nothing abrasive here.

Maybe a hint of that common “cat pee” note, but you really have to look for it.

I love how rich and luscious it smells. It completely transports my brain to vacation mode, with visions of palm trees dancing overheard (instead of sugar plum fairies, since it’s just about Christmas as I’m writing this).   

THE PALATE

Time to sip, sip!

Those beautiful tropical flavours are just as powerful on the palate as they were on the nose, even though the body is on the lighter side.

The acidity is there for sure, as I can feel my mouth watering, but it’s not a crisp and zesty sensation. Instead it’s smooth and easy drinking. I would still say that it’s high, but it’s such an incredibly well balanced wine that it’s not really a defining feature.

It’s a dry wine, but the incredible amount of fruit-forward flavours could play some tricks on your tongue.

Alcohol sits around average at 13%.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, I’m just as in love with this wine this time as I was the first time I tried it (and every time in between).

It’s perfectly balanced, the aromas and flavours are vibrant and complex, and it’s true to what you would expect from an amazing Sauvignon Blanc. To top it off, the finish lasts well over the 30 second mark, almost all the way to a full minute.

I cannot recommend this wine enough if you are interested in getting to know Sauvignon Blanc a little better.

Do you enjoy it as much as I do? Or are you more of a French Sauv Blanc fan? Let me know in the comments!