The 2023 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, hailing from Marlborough, New Zealand, is a noteworthy addition to the renowned winery's lineup. This vintage stands out for its distinctive characteristics that highlight the best of what a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc can offer. With a cork closure and a focus on classic varietal traits, it retains the signature elegance expected from Cloudy Bay.

Wine Spectator's reviewer, MW, awarded this vintage an impressive score of 93, noting that it "leaps out of the glass with effusiveness," and offers a vibrant mix of apple blossom, Key lime, Honeycrisp, lemon thyme, and fresh grated ginger. The review highlights a "long, expressive and mouthwatering finish," with lingering notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and lemon candy.

Vinous, also scoring it 93, recognizes the challenges of maintaining quality with fame, yet asserts that this Sauvignon Blanc "silences its critics." Rebecca Gibb MW describes it as "dry, clean and elegant," with a focus more on the herbal spectrum, featuring elderflower, gooseberry, and classic passion fruit. She praises it for its "extra layer of class," suggesting it provides excellent value in the context of the region.

Wine Enthusiast's Christina Pickard gives the wine a solid 90, describing it as "pungent" and "zingy," with jalapeño, tomato leaf, and green herbal aromas balancing well with citrus fruit. She notes the "lovely balance to the texture and acidity," and a finish marked by lemongrass and fresh oregano.

Overall, the 2023 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its balance of herbal and citrus notes, expressive finish, and the elegance that has become synonymous with the Cloudy Bay name. It is a wine that both meets and exceeds expectations for a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, delivering complexity and satisfaction in equal measure.