Hi guys my first post. Hopefully I can add some on the ground input from new zealand. I feel sorry for those having to rely on Robert Parker and Winespectator for a view of New Zealand wine!!

The 2004 CBSB was pretty good when it came out, but it did seem to suffer in the end from being a bit angular and disjointed. Showed piles of promise on release but overall 2004 SBlancs didnt really hit the mark

The 2005 is a very elegant vintage in keeping with the general vintage style, very classy and enjoyable on a hot auckland spring day.

1996 was the best vintage of CBSB in the last 10 years, followed by 1997 in my opinion. 1999 was also a ripper - very limey and intense. 2005 though I think should impress, its pretty sophisticated without losing any of the true marlborough any flavours - still dry, clean and yum

enjoy

kiwiwinefanclub

Thanks for the update and welcome!

Thanks for your notes kwfc!

I sampled the '05 Cloudy Bay SB while in Sydney earlier this month and completely agree with your comment about elegance. It is much more nuanced than past vintages, although I think it has lost a little of the excitement factor by dialing back on its trademark buzzsaw finish which was so head-turning during the halcyon vintages of the mid-90s.

We just got back from a memorable trip to the South Island of NZ. Toured a few wineries in Central Otago. A recap is postedhere (if you're interested). We had a fantastic time.

Cheers,

Otis

Otis

I think a big part of it is many contract growers that CB had access to 10 years ago are now off doing their own thing, so the fruit they have is a bit different.

It is still a classy drink and has never wandered off to the 'pungent and sweaty style' or off to the 'tropical and residual sugar' style. It has always been classical and drunk 6 months after release its a lovely drink.

C

Had this sav blanc at their tasting room in Renwick. Not impressed with it. Walked across the street to visit Alan Scott...much better sav blanc there (same vintage).

I've had 8 or 9 bottles of this vintage, and the last one a few days ago showed the poorest. I'm surprised that it seems to be fading gently. Time to drink up.

The '05s must be arriving pretty soon. In the meantime, the '04 Tohu SB Marlborough is drinking very well, and an excellent-- and cheaper-- alternative ot Cloudy Bay.

Seaquam, I had a bottle Christmas Eve night as well. I feel the same way, this was the poorest showing bottle I've had yet. I have two left out of a six pack I purchased last spring and I'll be drinking them over the next couple months.

I had a bottle a couple weeks ago and thought it was showing quite well. Not on the decline at all. I'll post my notes when I get a chance - could be a while, though!

I've had the 2005 and it's always the same problem on release, too much grapefruit and not enough lychee (except last year). The lychees seem to pop up around May, so Kiwi's 6 months seem to back this up. I've bought another six but will be leaving these for a while. Still got three 2004's left and they were sipping beautifully last time I tried. I've also got a 2002 as an experimental bottle being aged.