Cloudy Bay Te Wahi Pinot Noir 2021

Winery Background and History

Cloudy Bay Vineyards, founded in 1985 by David Hohnen in Marlborough, New Zealand, gained global fame for its pioneering Sauvignon Blanc. Acquired by LVMH in 2003, the estate expanded into premium red varieties planted in both Marlborough and Central Otago, including Te Wahi—a benchmark Pinot Noir showcasing the region’s finest terroirs  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Crafted by the Cloudy Bay winemaking team, Te Wahi combines fruit from Northburn and Calvert vineyards. Fermented in small batches with a blend of destemmed and whole-bunch fruit, it undergoes wild malolactic fermentation and one year of aging in French oak to preserve purity and build complexity  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit is sourced from steep, glacial Northburn soils near Lake Dunstan and the silty-loam soils of Calvert in Bannockburn. High-altitude day-night temperature swings foster elegant structure, intense fruit concentration, and aromatic clarity  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Mostly destemmed fruit is fermented in open-top tanks with some whole-bunch inclusion, followed by spontaneous malolactic. The wine then spends about a year in French oak barrels before bottling in 2022  .

Tasting Notes

Opulent core of dark berries with hints of dark chocolate and cherry liqueur, accented by mint, damson jelly, cold brew coffee, and forest floor. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity give it balance and purity  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with game meats like venison or slow-roasted lamb shoulder, wild mushroom risotto, beef Wellington, and roasted root vegetables—its complexity and structure complement these dishes  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 12–15 °C. Decant gently for optimum expression and to soften tannins and open the aromatic profile  .

Storage and Aging Potential

Drinkable now, with ageing potential of 5–10 years. Under optimal cellaring, it will develop greater complexity in the next 5 years  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5 % ABV 

Scores

• 93 – James Suckling ()

• 93 – Wine Enthusiast ()