Cloudy Bay Chardonnay

Type	White
Origin	New Zealand
Description	Cloudy Bay Chardonnay, Marlborough
Year	2010
Size	Standard
Bottle Price	£18.47
Web Link	Cloudy Bay

Wine information: Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985 by Kevin Judd and David Hohnen of Cape Mentelle Vineyards in Western Australia, and is today part of Estates & Wines. The winery and vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island. This unique and cool wine region enjoys a maritime climate with the longest hours of sunshine of any place in New Zealand. Cloudy Bay has estate vineyards located at prime sites within the Wairau Valley, and long-term supply agreements with five Wairau Valley growers. The winery takes its name from the bay at the eastern extremity of the Wairau Valley, which was named Cloudy Bay by Captain Cook on his voyage to New Zealand in 1770. Crafted using a clever combination of traditional 'hands-off' vinification and modern winemaking techniques, Cloudy Bay Chardonnay is an intriguing and textural wine.

Tasting Notes: Released two years after the vintage date, Cloudy Bay Chardonnay is delicious in its youth with pure fruit flavours of grapefruit and white peach enhanced by a biscuity, mineral-like complexity, and restrained oak. The style gains richness and depth with careful cellaring. An irresistible mix of ripe citrus and toasted nut aromas reminiscent of grapefruit, fig and pistachio biscotti taken with chamomile tea. The palate leads with savoury notes which give way to a taut citrus core, revealing the vibrant Marlborough fruit. Natural yeast fermentation and judicious oak handling combine to deliver a refined and textural finish.

Food & Wine match: Expect the 2010 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay to age gracefully over the next five to seven years. It is a full-bodied wine and its rich texture is enhanced by creamy dishes. The oak influence is subtle and therefore tends to support, rather than overpower, delicate flavours. Salmon, pan-fried or baked with crispy skin, is a quintessential Marlborough match.