Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (750ML)

92 WS / 91 VM

Impressively intense and focused, with vibrant Meyer lemon notes up front followed by pineapple, green apple skin, dried apricot and green tea details, coming together on the smooth, spicy, juicy finish. Drink now. - M.W., Wine Spectator

Bright, pale yellow. Lovely penetrating aromas and flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, lemon zest, spices and minerals. Bone-dry but the oak element rounds off the wine and contributes a subtle sweetness to its savory, very pure lemon and grapefruit flavors. Fine-grained Sauvignon Blanc with gentle but present acidity and attractive texture and lift. Hints at nettles but this is not a pungently herbal style in 2015. Finishes round and long. Ninety-five percent of these grapes are grown on rugged, free-draining riverbed soil around the winery, which automatically reduces yields, according to Sorrell. You must get the picking dates right, which means early to mid-March in warm, dry years to preserve freshness, he told me. Incidentally, this was Cloudy Bay's 30th anniversary harvest. -Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Bright, focuses citrus aromatics of grapefruit and kaffir lime abound, supported by subtle tropical notes. A silky, concentrated palate reveals ripe, juicy stone fruit and lemongrass, supported by a subtle minerality. Its racy acidity leads towards mouthwatering, persistent finish, suggesting a Sauvignon Blanc with age ability. -Winemaker