Product Description:
Wild-fermented and oak-aged—Sauvignon Blanc, reimagined.
Cloudy Bay’s Te Koko 2023 flips the script on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While the region made its name on bright, punchy styles, this wine leans into nuance and texture, shaped by wild fermentation and ageing in old French oak. It’s a deliberate move—one that has defined Te Koko since its first release, and continues to push boundaries nearly two decades on.
The 2023 vintage begins with restraint, opening slowly in the glass to reveal notes of just-ripe mango, lemon verbena and sun-warmed citrus. On the palate, it’s layered and complex—meadow hay, preserved lemon, and white nectarine glide into salted almond and a smoky, savoury mineral line. It's unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc, just not as you know it.
Best served with grilled lobster, burrata with citrus, or creamy pasta with herbs. Decant to unlock its full aromatic range. Drink now or cellar up to 6–8 years.
Maker
Cloudy Bay is one of New Zealand’s most renowned wineries, known for its pioneering role in establishing Marlborough as a world-class wine region. Founded in 1985, Cloudy Bay produced its first Sauvignon Blanc in 1986, which soon became a global sensation, putting New Zealand on the wine map. The winery’s success is built on a commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality that express the unique terroir of Marlborough. Cloudy Bay's winemaking team combines innovative techniques with a deep respect for the environment, ensuring that each bottle is a true reflection of the land. The winery’s consistent focus on sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking has earned it a reputation for excellence in the industry.
Under the guidance of its skilled winemakers, Cloudy Bay continues to push the boundaries of winemaking. The winery takes a holistic approach, from careful vineyard management to employing modern winemaking methods that allow the fruit to shine. This philosophy ensures that each wine, including the flagship Sauvignon Blanc, is balanced, vibrant, and full of character. With a passion for crafting wines that evolve beautifully over time, Cloudy Bay remains a benchmark in the world of fine wine.
Philosophy
Cloudy Bay’s philosophy is deeply rooted in a commitment to quality, sustainability, and respect for the land. At the heart of this philosophy is a belief in producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Marlborough, showcasing the region’s exceptional climates, soils, and diverse vineyards. Cloudy Bay’s winemakers focus on working with nature to bring out the best in their grapes, employing sustainable practices that nurture the vineyard ecosystem and ensure its long-term health. By limiting intervention in the winemaking process, Cloudy Bay allows the fruit to express its true character, resulting in wines that are pure, vibrant, and reflective of the land they come from.
In crafting each vintage, Cloudy Bay maintains a deep connection to the region's traditions while embracing innovation to achieve the best expression of its terroir. This balanced approach allows for the creation of wines that are both elegant and expressive, with a focus on freshness, complexity, and longevity. Cloudy Bay’s philosophy of sustainability extends beyond the vineyard to the winery, where they continue to evolve their practices, ensuring that their wines remain as exceptional as the land that produces them.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Subtle and evolving
Just-ripe mango, lemon verbena and sunlit citrus, opening with time.
PALATE
– Complex and savoury
White nectarine, preserved lemon and meadow hay with almond and smoky mineral notes.
FINISH
– Long and focused
Lingering salinity and savoury depth with a clean citrus drive.
Finer Details:
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Sauvignon Blanc
Country - New Zealand
Region - Marlborough
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
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