Cloudy Bay has launched its 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, complete with new packaging.
The redesigned bottle reflects the brand’s New Zealand heritage. The minimalist label has been refined to a canvas-feel paper stock that silhouettes the country’s Richmond Ranges. The Ranges are also embossed in the glass for a tactile experience.
“The bottle represents a refresh of our brand codes, but also a return to our heritage,” says Yang Shen, Cloudy Bay estate director. “We wanted to further embrace the beautiful Richmond Ranges that can be seen from our winery, and which were a core part of the original Cloudy Bay label.”
The sauvignon blanc itself is more citrus-forward, according to senior winemaker Nikolai St. George.
“Underneath those classic punchy aromatics, there’s a really nice interplay of ripe citrus and subtle stone fruit,” St. George says. “The length is seriously impressive, and I highly recommend keeping a couple of bottles aside to taste again in a few years.”
After a good growing season for this wine came a challenging harvest.
“It’s these more challenging years that we really see the strength and importance of our vineyard sites,” says Jim White, Cloudy Bay technical director. “Despite the troublesome weather, the fruit was perfect, which is pretty remarkable, really.”
St. George hosted a dinner in New York on Oct. 19 to unveil the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc vintage and new packaging. The meal paired New Zealand specialties including oysters, crayfish and lamb with different Cloudy Bay wines.
The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is now available on shelves nationwide and on Drizly for a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
