Cloudy Bay
The estate that brought New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to global fame, founded in 1985 in Marlborough and now an LVMH-owned icon.
About Cloudy
Cloudy Bay was established in 1985 by David Hohnen, founder of Margaret River's Cape Mentelle, and quickly became the wine that put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the world map. Its early Marlborough vintages, with their vivid, pungent fruit, drew international acclaim and helped define a regional style now copied worldwide. Named after the bay charted by Captain Cook in 1770, the estate became so sought-after that its Sauvignon Blanc was famously allocated for years. Champagne house Veuve Clicquot took a controlling interest and, in 2003, acquired Hohnen's remaining shares, bringing Cloudy Bay fully into the LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton portfolio. While Sauvignon Blanc remains its calling card and the majority of production, the estate also makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and the traditional-method sparkling 'Pelorus.' Cloudy Bay endures as one of the most recognisable names in New World wine and a benchmark for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Flagship wines
- Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc
- Pelorus (sparkling)
- Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir
Editorial notes
The reference point for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; LVMH-owned. Try the oak-aged Te Koko for a more textural style.