The Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2022 exemplifies the refined potential of Marlborough for this noble varietal. Sourced from select vineyard parcels across the Wairau Valley, the wine benefits from the region's unique diurnal temperature shifts and diverse alluvial soils, contributing to its aromatic complexity and structural integrity.
Winemaking at Cloudy Bay focuses on expressing site specificity. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo careful sorting, followed by fermentation with a portion of whole clusters to enhance texture and aromatic lift. The wine is then matured in French oak barriques, a portion new, for approximately 12 months, allowing for integration and the development of subtle tertiary notes without overshadowing the pristine fruit character. This vintage showcases a harmonious balance of fruit purity and elegant complexity, characteristic of a thoughtful Marlborough Pinot Noir.
Tasting notes
On the nose, the Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2022 presents an intricate bouquet of ripe red cherries, wild raspberries, and a delicate hint of violet, underpinned by subtle notes of forest floor and a whisper of cedar from its oak maturation. The palate is gracefully structured, offering a seamless integration of vibrant red fruit acidity and fine, silken tannins. A persistent finish reveals layers of savoury spice and an enduring minerality, culminating in a wine of considerable elegance and poise.