Cloudy Bay Archives

In Featured By Taufulou 5 Mins Read

Best Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc 2022

11/01/2023 1 Comment

I would since I was introduce to Cloudy Bay many moon back, I personally would say this is by far one of the Best Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc 2022. A perfect Cloudy Bay white wine that is so easy to drink and easily pair with my dishes. Fishes, seafood, mild curry, sashimi and dessert would be one of the best combination for this wine.

Were privilage to attend the launch of this new Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc 2022 with its new bottle design reference the brand’s heritage while marking a new chapter in Cloudy Bay’s story. and a great pairing with freshly flown oysters from a few different countries.

What makes this year bottle so great? It could be during pandemic the air is clean, great weather to for the grapes to grow to comes to its unique flavor, also mixture of terroir and technique brought the wine safely to bottle. In the face of dowsing rain and humidity, Cloudy Bay’s vineyard sites managed to produce perfect fruit. Care and diligence in the vineyards kept it safe until the moment picking could begin.

For technical director Jim White, it was a white-knuckle ride to the finish. “It’s these more challenging years that we really see the strength and importance of our vineyard sites,” he says. “Despite the troublesome weather, the fruit was perfect, which is pretty remarkable, really.”

The special pairing is with Josh Green, Founder of Shucked Oyster and Seafood Bar

When you nose it, it has a bit of mild citrus, zesty and vibrant fragrant. Filled with notes of juicy citrus and makrut lime underpinned by subtle white nectarine and passionfruit notes.

Personal thought is a good well balance of white wine filled with hint of mild fruity, citruszy, zesty, very mild fruity acidity. Definately have to drink it in chill to get the best taste.

We were then after our first appetizer pairing. This is like oh ! My ! Gawd! just blew my mind away on how fresh these oysters are.

Tasmanian Prime oysters from the pristine shores of Tasmania
Holland’s inland saltwater lakes catch of well-known “flats” called grand Dutch Imperial Natives,
Ireland for one of the best oysters in the world known as the Irish Premium Oysters called Gallagher Specials
Personal favourite : the spectacular wild caught Cloudy Bay clam from the home of the wine, Diamond Shell Cloudy Bay Clam.

Every oyster that you take, while sipping it thru with Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc 2022, it just creates different experience and aroma, taste and enhancement of both wine and oyster. You must try it yourself at Shucked Oyster and Seafood Bar

“This is only the third time that we’ve changed the label, and we wanted to continue those really distinctive elements that made it so recognisable back when it came out in 1985,” White said.

The new design also represents a step forward for Cloudy Bay’s global sustainability efforts. The bottle is made in New Zealand from recycled glass, and the accredited cardboard packaging is fully recyclable.

“That’s only a very small part of our sustainability programme,” White said. “At the moment, we’re putting a 400-kilowatt solar power system to generate electricity for our winery. And we have a whole lot of other sustainable practices, which go all the way back to our vineyards, our soils, our water, and our waste products.”

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc’s fresh new look belies the challenging 2022 vintage. While the growing season was optimal, heavy rain right before harvest threatened to derail the grape’s potential. But a mixture of terroir and technique brought the wine safely to bottle.

“It’s these more challenging years that we really see the strength and importance of our vineyard sites,” White said. “Despite the troublesome weather, the fruit was perfect, which is pretty remarkable, really.”

This resulted in a wine that is a lot more citrus-forward this year, delivering vivid reminders of grapefruit, guava, and passionfruit. “I always describe it in colours,” White said. “It’s a bit more yellow-green this year, while the 2021 vintage was more yellow. For the stone fruit characteristic, it’s more crunchy white nectarine than ripe peach. But it’s still very much in the typical Cloudy Bay spectrum.”

Duo of Canape – Salmon Roll Gratin with Ikura & River Scampi Crispy.For starter, we had Japanese Tai Carpaccio serve with tangy zest dressing.
Soup was Potato and Leek Veloute serve with truffle rosti potato crisp with caramelized nama scallop. A5 Miyazaki Wagyu with Portobello Mushroom Confit and Garlic Pea Sprout, Roma Tomato Pesto Smoked Garlic Theme Jus.

also were given a sample of Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2019

Passion Fruit Mango Tart serve with fresh mango dice.

This will be a remarkable one for Cloudy Bay, with its 2022 Sauvignon Blanc greeting the world in brand-new packaging.

Since this is festive season. Definitely this will be one of my recommended white wine.

In Featured By Taufulou 5 Mins Read

Cloudy Bay – Duck & Seafood Wine Trail

22/05/2015 No Comments

Cloudy Bay a wine from New Zealand had put a mark in my heart when it comes to wine recommendation to my friends. A wine that is very easy to drink for all occasions from all their range. Got to know this brand 2 years ago when I first came to their wine tasting and years had pass. This year 2015 also mark their 30th year of wine quality and pedigree that will soon release a rare back-vintage wine that carefully tasted through 30 vintages, with this they are back with another captivating food trail that took place recently.

We were again asked to head to a generic location and we were then mysteriously brought to our first dining location which is at started at Brasserie Enfin at Oasis Ara Damansara.

We were then introduce with their white wine Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014 and to pair with chef creative entree Scallop, pea, strawberry, salad leaves and mandarin puff with a glass @RM78++ or a bottle of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014 @RM155++ (Dish price RM43++ per pax)

Not only creative in vision and well presented. The whole texture of taste from the crips of the crust, perfectly grilled scallops, fresh greens and mandarin puff taste with well balance and a sip of Souvignon Blanc bring a refreshing taste yet a very mild sweet end towards our palates. Loving eat.

Next when it comes to more heavy taste of mains, Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2013 @ RM128++ or a bottle @ RM187++ (Dish price RM98++ per pax) is the choice to go after to pair with Duck Leg.

Duck leg, duck cracker & duck breast, potato with quinoa crumble, berries pate and sauce. It is presented in two presentation that duck breast meat is being cook to perfection with crips on the skin yet for the leg and its peas do bring a bit of extra fresh. Duck leg is fried to crips on the skin and meat is just nice. Great combination with skin and the wine.

Brasserie Enfin

Lot R-07, First Floor, Central Piazza,
No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/ 7A, Oasis Square,
Oasis Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
03-7832 2969

Right after the meal, our second location got reveal and we are heading all the way down to Tujo Bar-serrie & Grill at KL.

Herbed Tabouleh with Smoked Duck for Two, with a Bottle Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir at RM350++ (Usual Bottle Price: RM280++, just top up RM70 for 2 mains!)

Grilled Tiger Prawn with Lemon Honey Mustard for Two, with a Bottle Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc at RM300++

(Usual Bottle Price: RM224++, just top up RM76 for 2 mains!)

Tujo Bar-sserie & Grill
Ascott Kuala Lumpur,
9, Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: + 6012-210 3055

All prices are in RM and are subject to 10% service charge and 6% GST.

Final location is at some where new to me, Huba Huba Sentral. Love this hidden gem with its nice interior, as it is located on higher floor of this building as when searching for this building, I were totally lost.

Like their Pan Seared Marinated Duck Breast, served with Raspberry Sauce & Foie Gras for two, with a Bottle Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir at RM330++ (Usual Bottle Price: RM280++, just top up RM50 for 2 mains!) Their raspberry sauce is the main catch of the day whereby its not too sweet yet blends well with the rest of the sauces. This round its a bit weird as the Pinot Noir after taste more solid and slightly end dry compare to others.

A dish like this can be look very plain but once you have the fresh Black Cod Miso with Arugula Escabeche & Thyme Quinoa for Two, with a Bottle Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc at RM280++. Its a match made in heaven.

(Usual Bottle Price: RM224++ , just top up RM56 for 2 mains!)

Hubba Hubba @ Sentral
Level 2, Menara CIMB,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, KL Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur,

Tel: + 60 17-672 2081

All prices are in RM and are subject to 10% service charge and 6% GST.

STAND A CHANCE TO WIN ‘BIG’ IN CLOUDY BAY’S NATIONWIDE LUCKY DRAW!

For those who wish to enjoy Cloudy Bay in the comfort of their own home, simply purchase a bottle of Cloudy Bay at the participating retail stores nationwide. You will stand a chance of winning a wine chiller worth RM3,000 filled with 30 bottles of Cloudy Bay wines. Purchase 2 bottles of Cloudy Bay to get 3 lucky draw cards and triple up your chances of winning! The prizes are:

Grand Prize: Wine Chiller worth RM3,000 and up to 30 bottles of Cloudy Bay wines

2^nd Prize: 4 bottles of Cloudy Bay wines 1.5 litre

3^rd Prize: 6 bottles of Cloudy Bay wines in 75cl

* Lucky draw card must be attached with receipt and drop it into the lucky draw box on day of purchase. Drawing of winners will be done in July 2015.

In Events By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

Cloudy Bay (New Zealand) Wine Tasting with Jim White

12/10/2014 No Comments

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.

In Events By Taufulou 10 Mins Read

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc & Seafood Tasting Trail

08/05/2014 No Comments

It was a stress day over past few weeks as work changes, till I got this invitation for Cloudy Bay Seafood Tasting Trail got me all execited and pump up and of course I could not reject this invitation as it involves one of my favourite wine brand, Cloudy Bay. I rate it as one of the most generic brand that easy to drink and pair with many types of food, even to those who are not a wine drinker. Its an elegantly refined, fleshy yet focused and refreshing wine from the world renowned Marlborough region of New Zealand. This cultured Sauvignon Blanc has set an international benchmark with its vibrant aromatics, layers of pure fruit flavours and fine structure. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is ranked amongst the top five in the Drinks International ‘Our World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2013’ supplement. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc combines beautifully with fresh, light flavors making it the quintessential accompaniment for seafood.

As on the day itself, we were asked to meet at a selected meeting point then, we are all embarking on a MPV that kick start our seafood tasting journey.

Upon entering the MPV, we were all handed over a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to start off with first at the hour of 12pm. #likeaboss

We have a total of 4 stops for today food trail and all covering PJ area. Our first stop is this no sign board that you are very sure to miss out and look like a run down is this down to earth or hidden gem in Section 17 is this Bistro a TABLE.

As you walked upon their main entrance then only you realize its actually a restaurant.

and upon entering the door, you will be greeted with their achievement. Its something that this restaurant had made a mark to the culinary industry and most of their guest are spread thru word of mouth or regulars.

Seating in here is pretty limited and its best advise to make your reservations + a great place for any special occasions of celebration.

IF you are looking to impress some client with quite a good menu for lunch, here you go on their 3 course menu.

Star drink of the day is of course Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Its best to drink at chilled factor as it does bring out the character of the wine compare if its not chill enough. Wine taste is filled with hint of passion fruit, lime, grapefruit with just the right amount of grassiness. Very easy to drink especially in the afternoon during hot weather/ chill with friends and love the slight sour end of the aroma after taste..

Dish that is being serve for the wine pairing is Seared Red Pearl with tobiko beurre blanc and salted cod paired with a glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 @ RM85++

Fish is done to perfection with gravy that is not too thick. Mild enough that the taste goes very well with the wine that did tone down the sourness of the wine and end with a sweet character. The most outstanding ingredient that cleverly done by the chef is salted cod fileld being roll into like a mini biscuit roll, filled with mild cream that able to bring fresh after taste of wine that make it linger of fruity end.

No wonder this outlet won several awards with passionate chef Isadora’s that is behind preparing all this amazing dish. A young and creative chef. .

Location:

Bistro A Table
6 Jalan 17/54, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

T. 03-7931 2831

Next stop which is located in Damansara area, a place with another hidden gem that known by many people. Ribs by Vintry? Nope. We are heading to a newly open outlet that just start operated for the past 2 months, yet starting to gains its regular in the area is pretty impressive.

The Point is a hidden restaurant and bar above Vintry Damansara and you are sure to love the ambiance of this place.

Simple, cozy and just a perfect place to chill after long hectic day at work.

Seafood Trio
1. Ginger cured kingfish, prawn remoulade
2. Citrus Salmon with cous cous and salted salted kelp
3. Seared Hokkaido scallops, cauliflower puree and chinese sausage crumbs

One glass with paired menu, RM71++

When it was first presented, it smells so good and the colour of it is just admiring. As we stare at the plate, we were thinking which direction should we eat first and ended up by eating from kingfish as it looks like and scallop at the end.

Kingfish was prepare in a sashimi style that freshness of the fish speaks nearly everything from sweetness follow by salmon were done with a mini bed of crumbs and green pea spread yet scallop was done to perfection. Did not over cook, and most unique is top with crispy chinese sausage bits that make it more interesting in taste as it brings the wine to more sour after end taste.

Another young chef. .

Surely will be back for drinks and dinner here.

The Point Bar & Dining Room
First & Second Floor,
No. 122, Jalan Kasah, Damansara Heights,
Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

Tel:. 03-2011-8008

5-10 minutes from the Point we reach this famous dining area, WIP in Bangsar Shopping Mall for :

Tofu & Octopus Salad or Unagi Fried Rice paired with a glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013,@ RM70nett

Tofu & Octopus Salad or Unagi Fried Rice paired with a bottle of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013, @ RM290nett

A glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc @ RM50nett

Next location is currently most famous night spot in PJ is The Roof and we went to The Signature.

Mussels Provencial (Moules Provence) sussel leaks and carrots cooked in white wine with tomota concasse with provencial herbs @ RM42++

Pan seared black cod fillet served with braised leek & fennel topped with tomato jam @ RM55++. Cod was nicely done that it was so perfect to be edible without any dressing. Tomato Jam added was abit weird but with only the cod and Claudy Bay, its a great inseparable pairing.

Location:
Signature @ The Roof
Sky level, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

T. +6016 229 1505

Last stop we head back to where we started is this first meet up location: Brasserie Enfin

Pan seared mackerel with beurre noisette of walnut and almond served with crispy roots paired with a glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013, @ RM50++

A mastermind that create this dish that makes all the ingredient in it pairs with the wine that comes out nearly different of aftertaste. Almond and walnut that is mild salty that bring the fruity end for it and fresh mackerel brings out the sweetness of the wine. Follow by crispy roots lighten the sourness of the wine and made it easy to drink. Interesting.

Location:

Brasserie Enfin

Lot R-07, First Floor, Central Piazza, No. 2,
Jalan PJU 1A/ 7A, Oasis Square, Oasis Damansara
47301 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

T. 03-7832 2969

At the end of the trail, I enjoy it so much as I have 2 tanker in my ground and get to meet this famous person Jacqueline Toyad, the Deputy Editor of the Edge. Its a great wine experience and of course a great company is a great bonus.

Check out their Facebook too: www.facebook.com/cloudybay

From 1^st of May till 30^th of June 2014, the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc & Seafood tasting trail will take wine lovers on a journey where 18 dining establishments will take part in showcasing their interpretation of near-perfect pairing of a generous glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 and seafood.

‘SNAP & SHARE’ TO WIN A 3D/2N STAY FOR TWO IN LANGKAWI

The Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc & Seafood Tasting trail features an exciting Instagram contest from 1^st May to 30^th June 2014. This is a chance for wine lovers to taste the perfect pairing of wine with seafood at participating restaurants and win a 3D/2N stay for TWO at an award winning 5 star hotel in Langkawi. Follow cloudybaymsia on Instagram and simply share your best Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 and paired seafood menu. Remember to hashtag #cloudybaymsia and tag @cloudybayseafoodtrail. The instagrammer with the most photos of paired seafood menu from as many participating restaurants WILL win. Et voilà, you are on an exclusive holiday!

*A full list of participating outlets can be viewed on cloudybaymsia Instagram site. Terms & conditions apply.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS ARE:

Signature @ The Roof

Sky level, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

T. +6016 229 1505

Las Carretas Restaurant

Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant 10 Jalan Semantan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Damansara, Malaysia

Tel. +60 3-2093 0380

Black Market

Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T. +60 17-321 8686

Caffeinees

16 Jalan Kampung Pandan, Desa Pandan, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T. +60 3-2144 8686

W.I.P

Lot G 111, Ground floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T. 03 2094 1789

Tujo Bar-sserie & Grill

Ascott Kuala Lumpur, 9, Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T. 012-210 3055

The Point Bar & Dining Room

First & Second Floor, No. 122, Jalan Kasah, Damansara Heights, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

T. 03-2011-8008

Tanzini

GTower, 199 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T. 60 3-2168 1899

Brasserie Enfin

Lot R-07, First Floor, Central Piazza, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/ 7A, Oasis Square, Oasis Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

T. 03-7832 2969

Shook! @ Starhill Gallery

Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

T. 603 – 2719 8535

Fisherman’s Cove

Starhill Gallery 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Starhill Gallery, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T. +60 3-2782 3848

Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill

Level 6, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

T. 03- 2332 9888

Bistro A Table

6 Jalan 17/54, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

T. 03-7931 2831

North Malaysia

Ferringhi Garden Restaurant

34 A,B&C Batu Ferringhi 11100 Penang, Malaysia

T. 04-881 1193

Ferringhi Grill

Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang.

T. 60 4-888 8888

The Dining @The Datai Langkawi

Jalan Datai, Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.

T. 60 4-959 2500

South Malaysia

The Brazzo Restaurant & Lounge

10G, Jalan Ponderosa 2/1, Taman Ponderosa

81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

T. 017-778 8972

East Malaysia

The Junk Restaurant

80, 82 & 84 Wayang Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak,

T. +60 82-259 450

Cloudy Bay

Best Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Cloudy Bay – Duck & Seafood Wine Trail

Cloudy Bay (New Zealand) Wine Tasting with Jim White

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc & Seafood Tasting Trail

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