The Wine That Put New Zealand on the World Map — Still the Benchmark After 40 Years

My Wine Man on Cloudy Bay

Few wines in the world have had the cultural impact of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. When David Hohnen launched the first vintage in 1985, it didn't just introduce the world to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — it redefined what Sauvignon Blanc could be. Aromatic, exuberant, and unmistakably of its place, Cloudy Bay single-handedly created the template for New Zealand white wine and inspired a generation of winemakers across the globe. Four decades on, it remains the reference point against which all Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are measured. The estate draws fruit from a network of carefully selected vineyards across the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, blending them with precision to deliver a wine of consistent character, freshness, and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw with a bright, luminous clarity. The nose is immediately captivating — an expressive, aromatic burst of passionfruit, white peach, and fresh lime zest, layered with notes of cut grass, white grapefruit, and a subtle tropical lift that is the hallmark of great Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, the wine is generous and textured — medium-bodied with vibrant, refreshing acidity, a silky mid-palate, and a long, clean, citrus-driven finish with a mineral, saline edge. This is Sauvignon Blanc at its most expressive, joyful, and immediately satisfying.

Style & Drinking Window

Vibrant, aromatic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with excellent freshness, texture, and length. Drinking at its absolute best now through 2027. Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C in a crisp white wine glass. No decanting required.

Food Pairing

The exuberant tropical fruit and vibrant acidity of the 2025 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc make it an outstanding match for I&J The Finest Frozen Raw Prawns (Tail Off) from My Meat Man. The wine's passionfruit, lime and saline mineral finish complement the sweet, succulent flavour of premium prawns beautifully — whether grilled with garlic and chilli, stir-fried with lemongrass and Thai basil, or tossed through a Vietnamese-style noodle salad with lime, mint and fresh coriander.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$219, the 2025 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc delivers one of the most recognisable and consistently excellent white wine experiences in the world at a price that makes it an accessible everyday luxury. A wine with genuine global prestige, stocked in the world's finest restaurants and wine lists.

Looking for a Different Style?

2024 Greywacke Kevin Judd Sauvignon Blanc — crafted by Kevin Judd, Cloudy Bay's founding winemaker; more textured and complex.
2023 Dog Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — from two former Cloudy Bay viticulture and winemaking directors; pure, precise, mineral.
2022 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — New Zealand's most popular Sauvignon Blanc; fresh, vibrant, and excellent value.