This most famous of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs seems to have come off the rails in this vintage. Nowhere is found the fruity depth or vibrant pungency that has brought Cloudy Bay its esteemed place in the vinous pantheon. Rather, what shows up here is wine of good size in want of better stuffing at its very heart. Instead, it is simply well-scrubbed, weighty and polished but not especially endearing.

Rating for New Zealand: 85 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: drink now<br/>