2020 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay

Part of the portfolio since the 1986 vintage, Cloudy Bay’s Chardonnay was the Estate’s second wine to be released, after Sauvignon Blanc. It is known for reconciling the stony soils of the Wairau Valley and the denser clay soils of the Southern Valleys of Marlborough. Today, Cloudy Bay’s Chardonnay is an equal representation of the two soil types, with the riper stone fruit characteristics from the stony soils and the citrus-focused elegance of Chardonnay from Marlborough’s clay soils. 100% Chardonnay coming from seven vineyard blocks located in the sub-regions of Omaka, Brancott, Rapaura and Renwick. Vine age: 15 to 25 years. The Cloudy Bay Chardonnay balances New World fruit with Old World restraint. When young, the Chardonnay is vibrant and intense, with white stone fruit, citrus and floral characters melding with subtle oak. With time, the wine takes on a more savoury aspects, melding the fruit core with savoury notes of grilled nuts and brioche, as well as spice. This wine can also be cellared for up to 10-15 years.

Chardonnay