ChangeMe  
Grape Fermenter
Posts: 672
 | | 02-01-2003 11:36 PM |
| The 2002 Cloudy Bay is even more racy and exciting than the impressive 2001 version.
I just purchased 6 bottles and (as is my ritual with CB) immediately stuck one in the freezer, folded my arms, tapped my feet, and waited until it had just enough chill to drink.
Wonderful aromas of fresh mown grass, basil, crisp green bell pepper, and (this year) orange blossoms (or definitely something floral/sweet). The fruit is aggressive and immediately fills your mouth on the attack. Lime, kiwi, honeydew melon and minerals. Vibrant, but clean, acidity slams the door shut on the finish. As Jeremy has suggested in past notes re: 2002 NZ SBs, this may need a few months to smooth out. However, I like my Cloudy Bays best when they're raw and unbroken, like this here bronco. Highly recommended. 92P.
Purchased for $22 (after store discount). List price $24.99.
Cheers,
Otis
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Pool Boy
Laurl, MD (DC suburb)
Master of Wine
Posts: 13767
| | 02-01-2003 11:45 PM |
| | Chances are I won't see this for months | | | www.roguefood.com -- www.cellartracker.com | |
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Winetex
Austin, Texas
Master of Wine
Posts: 11004
| | 02-02-2003 01:53 AM |
| | Ahh, happiness. I have a couple of these that are sleeping. Good notes! One of them was almost opened tonight but we went with another NZ SB. | | | |
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love_cab_chard
Master of Wine
Posts: 12582
| | 02-02-2003 05:03 PM |
| | You know, I had a chance to buy the 2001 for about $22.00, but passed (about a year ago). Don't know why I did that... | | | |
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JonesWineNo1
Sommelier
Posts: 8568
| | 02-02-2003 05:18 PM |
| | 2 cases are already on order. | | | |
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Matt Letson
Barrel Filler
Posts: 1339
| | 02-03-2003 02:25 AM |
| | In general, I have found the 2002 NZ SB's to be equal or better than their 2001 counterparts. A terrific vintage, as far as I can tell, so far. | | | |
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ItalianWino
Grape Fermenter
Posts: 619
| | 02-12-2003 08:41 PM |
| I am looking forward to trying this. The best price I got on the '01 was $16. The normal price here in Louisville is $20.99. Thanks for the notes.
IW | | | |
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Matt Letson
Barrel Filler
Posts: 1339
| | 02-12-2003 10:07 PM |
| I drank the 2002 last Friday night ($25) and agree 100% with otisabdul's tasting notes. This wine is definitely on-par with the 2001 version.
There were 4 bottles of this available in Wilmington (retail) and I got one--I guess I should be grateful, huh?. While the wine is definitely worth $20-$25 (when you compare it to other world-class whites), I still have a hard time pulling the trigger when there are so many high-quality NZ whites for much less.
Sure, I'd give this wine 92-93 points easily. But I also give the 2002 Lawson's Dry Hills 91 points and it only costs $12. Is it worth paying double for 1 or 2 more points? | | | |
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JonesWineNo1
Sommelier
Posts: 8568
| | 02-12-2003 10:42 PM |
| | It can be. I paid $182 a case for the Cloudy Bay so it doesn't always have to be double. | | | |
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Pool Boy
Laurl, MD (DC suburb)
Master of Wine
Posts: 13767
| | 02-13-2003 01:59 AM |
| Hey Jones, some of us never see prices that low on that juice. We live over here on the east coast, you lucky bastard!  | | | www.roguefood.com -- www.cellartracker.com | |
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JonesWineNo1
Sommelier
Posts: 8568
| | 02-13-2003 02:32 AM |
| | I don't know TJ. I think the midwest followed by the jersey guys get the best prices. Norcal only beats them on availability for the smallest lot wines. | | | |
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Pool Boy
Laurl, MD (DC suburb)
Master of Wine
Posts: 13767
| | 02-13-2003 03:26 AM |
| | well, ok, that is true. I guess I need to move the Jersey or Chicago. Our selection is not nearly as good as everyone else's and our prices tend to be higher than everyone's around here. not a great mix, but, well, I love DC | | | www.roguefood.com -- www.cellartracker.com | |
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JonesWineNo1
Sommelier
Posts: 8568
| | 02-13-2003 04:48 AM |
| | My first 13 years were spent in the burbs of DC. Honestly, I don't miss it. My price on the Cloudy Bay was unusually good. | | | |
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Pool Boy
Laurl, MD (DC suburb)
Master of Wine
Posts: 13767
| | 02-13-2003 01:51 PM |
| Well, to each his own, Jones. I hate the summers, but I love just about everything about this area.
That said, I would kill to live in San Francisco. That town where you live is a wonderful place. If only I could manage to figure out a way to live there.... <<sigh>> | | | www.roguefood.com -- www.cellartracker.com | |
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Budman
Philly Suburbs
VinoCellar.com Extraordinaire
Posts: 23630
| | 02-13-2003 02:58 PM |
| TJ,
You mean you like the traffic down there too?????  | | | |
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Pool Boy
Laurl, MD (DC suburb)
Master of Wine
Posts: 13767
| | 02-13-2003 05:34 PM |
| Actually, I am not presently working in a place that requires me to drive the DC beltway. I actually go against the normal traffic patterns, so I am ok for now.
But man, the DC beltway does suck. | | | www.roguefood.com -- www.cellartracker.com | |
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KillerB
Barrel Racker
Posts: 1533
| | 02-20-2003 04:12 PM |
| One of my favourites. I had the 2002 a day after the 2001 and was pleasantly surprised. Both are wonderful wines but the new one was fresher and sharper. My friend claimed it to be the best Cloudy Bay he'd had and he's the guy that introduced me to this nectar nearly ten years ago.
Just bought the last CB Chardonnay in the shop today  | | | |
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KillerB
Barrel Racker
Posts: 1533
| | 02-13-2005 09:36 PM |
| ...two years later!!!
I'm having one tonight and still have two to keep. This is slightly experimental.
Colour has not darkened significantly and it still looks fresh as a daisy. The grapefruit flavours were overwhelming on first tatse this evening but those tropical fruits still pop back into view after a while. There is a change in depth as it has a richer feel in the mouth but this is an asset not previously present. Can't claim that this makes it better but just changes the emphasis a little. Still a lovely wine.
Will keep at least one for another year and will report back. | | | |
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