Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and footie

The 2008, 2009 and 2010 of the Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay were tested during the Arsenal-Barcelona game last week.

The 2008 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc had a delicious tropical fragrance of fresh passionfruit and pineapples. The palate was long and succulent, combining exotic fruits with a natural acidity (maybe a bit "warm"). As it turned out the 2008 vintage was very warm with a perfect hot summer and harvest conditions. Barcelona 1-0.

The 2009 vintage was more crispy, zingy and zesty with more minerality. The palate juicy with taste of citrus/lime and a lively crispy acidity. Perfect example. 2009 was in fact quite a cool year in Marlborough with more rain than usual. Arsenal 1-1.

The 2010 was like a mix of the two but with a heavier texture. Apparantly slightly barrel fermentation was applied. Notes of passionfruit and more grapefruit with a creamy finish. Lovely stuff too. 2010 had a very warm start with some rain during the harvest. Arsenal 2-1.

We are looking forward to the 2011 and the return match! In the meantime I would drink the 2009...Bad summers in Marlborough are good news it seems....

Comments

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