Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2023 

Grape: 100% Chardonnay (fruit from the Wairau & Southern Valleys), barrel fermented and aged in French oak for 11 months, full malolactic

Producer Tasting Note:

Open and expressive on the nose, with enticing notes of white nectarine, pear and cItrus complemented by a touch of subtle savoury oak. This wine is taut at first. unfurling in the glass to reveal notes of vibrant citrus, just-ripe apricot, greengage and a refreshing vein of minerality that adds a sense of drive to the concentrated and mouthwatering palate.

This wine has the potential to age 5-10 years with careful cellaring.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"I have always been impressed with all aspects of the Cloudy Bay operation, and the fact that it can make Chardonnay as delicious and long-lasting as its Sauvignon Blancs should not be a surprise to those who haven’t tried one. What really is intriguing about this one is that the aftertaste magnifies what comes before – lots of fresh and dried apple flavors with good minerality, medium body, hints of tannins and overall solid structure."

94/100 points,  Roger Morris, Wine Review Online, June 2025

"The 2023 Chardonnay is tight and pithy, laden with white peach, lemon brine, a subtle display of woodsy spices and curry peach to close. This is balanced and fresh, and all elements of the wine are in balance with each other, making for pleasurable drinking. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."  Drink 2026-2033

92/100 points, Erin Larkin, WINE ADVOCATE, April 2026

Food Match: This Chardonnay is a natural match for just about everything, but especially seafood and other bright or creamy flavours. Try it with Caprese salad, soft cows’ cheeses, cream sauces or anything smoked or chargrilled