Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

92 Points - Wine Spectator AnScented and summery, the 2008 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc has deliciously vibrant aromatics that infuse the tropical fragrance of fresh passionfruit and juicy pineapples with garden-fresh basil and the spiciness of crushed tomato leaves. The palate is long and succulent, combining exotic fruits with ripe, red capsicum and a twist of green olive... beautifully complemented by crisp natural acidity and a hint of lime zest. "This firm, luscious Sauvignon Blanc is impressively concentrated for the 2008 vintage. It's saturated with gooseberry and lemongrass flavors, and plenty of acidity. Give it several years in bottle to mellow, or serve it now with freshly shucked oysters." 92 Points Wine & Spirits February 2009

2008 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc has deliciously vibrant aromatics that infuse the tropical fragrance of fresh passionfruit and juicy pineapples with garden-fresh basil and the spiciness of crushed tomato leaves. The palate is long and succulent,

This firm luscious Sauvignon Blanc is impressively concentrated for the 2008 vintage. It's saturated with gooseberry and lemongrass flavors and plenty of acidity. Give it several years in bottle to mellow or serve it now with freshly shucked oysters. 92 Points. Wine and Spirits February 2009.

This clear, light brass-colored wine bursts from the glass with mixed citric aromas of fresh grapefruit and the characteristic herbal scents of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It's perhaps not quite as over-the-top with green chili pepper and jalapeño aromas as some vintages, but you'll find plenty of green pepper and snappy citrus in its fresh, full flavor. Perfect with a vegetarian entrée designed to match its herbaceous nature: Fresh asparagus spears and a light puree of asparagus, green peppers and onions over gorgonzola polenta.

This stylish white has more pizzazz than most. Crisp in texture, ripe in flavor, with passion fruit and pear flavors up front, picking up hints of mint, celery and grapefruit as the finish lingers. Drink now.

Wine Tasting NotesMouth-watering aromas of passionfruit and lemongrass led with the spiciness of just-picked tomatoes tossed with fresh basil. Many small parcels of fruit, ripened under ideal conditions, bring layers of complexity to the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. The palate has exceptional richness, with ripe gooseberry flavours and a hint of fresh fennel leading to a powerful, crisp finish.

Only in recent years have the delicious wines of New Zealand become widely known outside their own country, and if any one winery from this beautiful island nation has led the charge, it is Cloudy Bay, and in particular its highly acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc. The 2000 vintage, which I had the good fortune to try at the winery last November, has finally reached local shops in most parts of the world.