Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2022

Winery Background and History

Cloudy Bay Vineyards was founded in 1985 by David Hohnen in Marlborough, New Zealand. After being acquired by LVMH in 2003, the estate expanded its portfolio beyond Sauvignon Blanc to include outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir range showcases Cloudy Bay’s dedication to expressing New Zealand terroir with finesse and elegance  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Crafted by Cloudy Bay’s expert winemaking team, the 2022 Pinot Noir is fermented in small lots, blending destemmed and whole-bunch fruit. It undergoes cold soak, open-top fermentation with wild yeasts, and wild malolactic, followed by 11 months in French oak to balance purity and texture ().

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from Southern Valleys vineyards of Marlborough, planted on north-facing slopes of clay-rich alluvial soils with gravel subsoils. Warm days and cool nights impart elegant structure and vibrant fruit  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

After cold soaking, fermentation takes place in open-top stainless tanks, including some whole bunches for complexity. Pressed gently, the wine is aged 11 months in French oak to refine tannins and develop nuanced flavors  .

Tasting Notes

Expressive aromas of wild hedgerow fruits, crushed rose petals, sweet cherries. Palate is finely tuned, with silky tannins balancing summer berries, soft spices, and subtle vanilla. Finish evokes warm evenings with lingering strawberries and a hint of barbecue smoke  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with duck, rabbit, char-grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, meaty fish, herbs, and lighter game dishes. The wine’s versatility and structure make it a fit for seasonal menus  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 12–15 °C in large Burgundy-style glasses. Decant gently to allow aromas to open fully before tasting ().

Storage and Aging Potential

Enjoyable now, this wine can mature gracefully over 5–10 years under proper cellar conditions, developing complexity over time ().

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Pinot Noir 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5 % ()

Scores

• 94 – The Real Review (Bob Campbell MW) 

• 93 – James Suckling 

• 92 – Wine Spectator 

• 92 – Wine Enthusiast (via Wine-Searcher critic average) 

• 89 – Vinous ()