2002 Cloudy Bay SB

[quijote]

I've been reading (here and elsewhere) about the Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay, but I haven't found any notes or comments regarding the 2002 vintage. I bought a bottle today (is $25 expensive for this kind?), and am wondering what I may look for when I try it. Previous vintages seem to be praised for being grassy and crisp with lots of exotic fruits such as passion fruit, kiwi, gooseberries, etc. Is the same true for 2002?

[Kcwhippet]

Chances are you described the 2002. Cloudy Bay is basically the benchmark for NZ SBs, particularly from Marlborough. They try to maintain a standard profile from year to year, so the 2002 should be similar to the 2001 considering vintage variation. That $25 is a good price. We sell it for $28. Incidentally, Cloudy Bay is owned by Veuve Clicquot from France.

[This message has been edited by Kcwhippet (edited 02-18-2003).]

[Innkeeper]

IMHO comparable SBs from the same region can be had for half the price. TNs are all over this; the Australian, New Zealand; and Best Buys threads.

[Thomas]

I do agree with IK. I think the price of Cloudy Bay SB is relative to the wine's marketing power that got its name all over the magazines--Cliquot does that stuff well.

[Kcwhippet]

You'll notice I didn't say I drink the stuff - too expensive relative to what else is available, as IK said. For about half the price you can get a wonderful Brancott Reserve, Nobilo, Nautilus, Huia, Omaka Springs, Lawson's Dry Hills or a raft of others. BTW, I notice ww never posts here. He doesn't know what he's missing.

[Bucko]

Huia, Omaka Springs, Lawson's Dry Hills Seresin are case buys for me. Huia has been thrice over.