2020 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Hints of cut grass and snow pea pods accent aromas of white grapefruit and passion fruit on the nose of Cloudy Bay's 2020 Sauvignon Blanc. The medium-bodied palate is round and generous at first, hinting at fig and nectarine, but it narrows to citrus and chalk on the silky-textured, mouthwatering finish. It's a solid, very drinkable effort, but such a historically important producer should be capable of more.

Screwcap of course. Very pale and a light greenish hue to water white. Just a bit richer than the archetypal Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Technically perfect. I can't see any natural wine bars lapping this up. Not especially long so I certainly wouldn't say this is great value. Head for the crisper, deeper Dog Point or Blank Canvas. (JR)

Delightfully textured and smooth with balanced yet mouthwatering acidity, this wine veers into the green hedgerow spectrum of Sauvignon; think nettles and elderflowers rather than flamboyant tropical fruits. That said, there's a subtle flavor of passion fruit running through this wine. Midweight with some decent concentration, it offers nice grip on the medium-plus-length finish. Don't chill the hell out of this or you'll miss the best bits. I've given a drinking window of 2020–2025 but having tasted a delightful 14-year-old Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc that tastes like a mature Sémillon, I can say that you’re not in any danger if you leave it longer.