Cloudy Bay (New Zealand) Wine Tasting with Jim White

Who had travel to New Zealand before? Its always been one of a country that I am very keen to visit in the future. If you are a wine lover, this brand Cloudy Bay is a brand sure would not be a stranger to you. Cloudy Bay is also pretty well known in international scene with one of its signature Sauvignon Blanc with a reputation for defining distinctive style and its own distinct flavours.

This round, it was an honour to be invited to this wine tasting for their year 2014 range before releasing their product into them market on 1st Nov as the event was hosted in Prego, Westin KL.

 

Featuring one of their best bottle by far for Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon 2014 as Jim White mention that the weather for this year had influence much on the quality of it and had become its personal favourite.

 He mention that year 2014 weather had treat them a great year with its superb flowering season.

We started off with wine pairing lunch . .

 

Capasente Con Scampi Spiedino Barbabietola, Infusio di Arancia Mela Verde – Scallop and Shrimp brochette with slowcook beetroot infuse with orange and green apple.

Merluzzo Con Candito di Aglio Centrifugato di Asparagi Caviale di Aruga – Cod Fish with confit smoked garlic and cream of asparagus aruga caviar.

Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2012 – strong plum taste with aromatic spice, that build your palate with bittersweet chocolate, dark fruit with hints of earthiness. Good to pair with bbq food.

 Agnolloti D’astice ai fruitti d marre – boston lobster stuffed pasta with tomato sauce and freshly cooked seafood.

Panna Cotta con Fruitti di Bosco –  Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries and caramel sauce.

Right after lunch, we were directed to our assign seating to experience a proper wine tasting by learning some of the facts from Jim himself. First time attending such a tasting.

 Each of us will have 4 different wine each to start off with.

Starting from left to right (Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2012 & Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2012)

By learning thru each character by Jim, I guess among those 3 white wine, I certainly agree with Jim that 2014 surely do stood out more in terms of freshness and character. This is a great wine to pair with any spaghetti and especially fresh seafood. First sip is filled with freshness that I can even drink it in the day time itselves, aromas of kaffir lime and grapefruit is notable with light end of citrus, stone fruit and smooth mineral taste after it.

Highly recommended by me for Cloudy Bay Sauvignon 2014 .

2013 & 2012 do have quite a sourish end for me.

 

Indeed it was a great experience in learning all this. A pleasure to meet the master himself.