2008 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

92 points Wine & Spirits: "This firm, luscious Sauvignon is impressively concentrated for the 2008 vintage. It's saturated with gooseberry and lemongrass flavors, and plenty of acidity. Give it several years in bottle to mellow, or serve it now with freshly shucked oysters." (02/09) 91 points Wine Spectator: "Light and tart, with a zip to the acidity that carries the vivid, celery-tinged gooseberry and lime flavors, lingering impressively on the sharply focused finish. Drink now." (04/09) 90 points Stephen Tanzer: Very pale straw-yellow. Sexy, pure aromas of soft citrus fruits, grapefruit and lemon oil, accented by peppery herbs. Dense, sweet and supple, with lovely lift and spicy high notes to the lemon, grapefruit and pineapple flavors. A broad, fruit-driven style of sauvignon with a light touch-and distinctly polite for this bottling, showing neither the outstanding intensity and grip of the best recent vintages nor the pronounced herbaceous character of the more difficult years. But this is harmonious from the outset." (Sept/Oct '09) Scented and summery, the 2008 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc has deliciously vibrant aromatics that infuse the tropical fragrance of fresh passionfruit and juicy pineapples with garden-fresh basil and the spiciness of crushed tomato leaves. The palate is long and succulent, combining exotic fruits with ripe, red capsicum and a twist of green olive... beautifully complemented by crisp natural acidity and a hint of lime zest.