Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1985 by David Hohnen in Marlborough, Cloudy Bay gained international fame for its pioneering Sauvignon Blanc. Acquired by LVMH in 2003, Te Koko—a wild-yeast, barrel-fermented version—provides a rich, terroir-driven counterpoint to the classic style, showcasing depth and balance  .

Producer & Winemaker

Crafted by the Cloudy Bay team with indigenous yeasts, Te Koko undergoes slow fermentation in French oak barrels. The process includes extended lees aging (circa 15 months), yielding complexity and texture  .

Vineyards & Micro Climate

Grapes come from mature vines on Marlborough’s Wairau Valley floor (Motukawa, Widow’s Block, Estate, Brook Street). Free-draining gravel soils, coastal breezes, and vineyard age contribute to expressive terroir and freshness  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Te Koko is fermented and aged in French oak (approximately 8 % new) with native yeasts, spending 15 months on lees post-fermentation. This builds richness while retaining varietal clarity  .

Tasting Notes

Pale straw, initially subdued on the nose before revealing pink grapefruit, honey, graphite, nashi pear, white pepper, and subtle oak spice. On the palate: layered peach, preserved citrus, toasted nuts, and a hypnotic saline thread. Fine acidity and minerality provide structure and freshness  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Versatile yet refined—ideal with smoked salmon, shellfish, Asian-style pork belly, goat cheese, and citrus-herb salads. Its complexity enhances dishes with creamy, smoky, or umami flavors ().

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 10–12 °C in a medium white wine glass (or tulip) to focus aromatics and preserve finesse. No decanting needed, but allow 10 minutes air exposure ().

Storage and Aging Potential

Elegant and structured, this vintage can evolve for 5–10 years in cool (12–14 °C), dark conditions. Excellent now and promising maturation ahead  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Sauvignon Blanc (from hand-selected mature vines)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5 % ABV  .

Scores

• 95 – Wine Advocate 

• 92 – James Suckling 

• 92 – Wine Spectator 

• 88 – Wine Enthusiast (noted for honey‑pineapple, Key‑lime richness)