vintage, or the 2006? I'm worried that the 2005 might be past its prime, but the 2006 is too young to drink and might have to wait a few months to reach its peak.
2007-01-04 19:04:29 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
No -- definitely buy the 2006 rather than the 2005 (if you can find it). IThe 2006 isstonking good, and shows Cloudy Bay is back on form after some duff years. Dobn't wait to drink it -- enjoy it now whle its new mown grass and 'cats pee on a goosebrry bush' flavors are at their height.
2007-01-04 21:31:03 · answer #1 · answered by Pontac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in stock and available for sale if you would like to send an email to eddie@vintagewinesltd.co.uk
I have recently tried several vintages of the sauvignon from the past 6 years together and, whilst the 2003 was clearly the best on release, it is a little tired now and though the 2005 was not impressive at all at first, I must say that it appears to have mellowed nicely. The zesty tang that the 05 showed when first shipped appears to have disappeared and the wine is now drinking nicely. Though not a good vintage for Cloudy Bay, the 05 is still pleasant and will be better for immediate consumption (not to mention easier to find) than the new-release 06.
I have tried a number of other Marlborough Sauvignons from the 05 vintage and have found that there are some much better wines out there from that year. My personal recommendations would be the 'Longbeak' (no 06 vintage to be distributed), the 'Isabel' and the 'Oyster Bay' sauvignons. All of these are around half the price of the Cloudy Bay and (I feel) better wines. If you would like to know how to obtain these bottles, please do not hesitate to contact me by email to eddie@vintagewinesltd.co.uk
Hope this helps.
2007-01-05 04:54:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I've read on the Internet 2005 wasn't a very good year for New Zealand wines. Even with that fact, 2005 Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc is out of stock or not available for shipment at most places.
Good Luck at finding a bottle of 2006.
2007-01-05 03:12:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sauvignon blancs drink well for a good 5 years from the vintage date, so a 2004, 2003, or 2002 would be fine. 2005 isn't past its prime. It just wasn't a very good year for NZ. Might I suggest a 2005 Australian instead.
2007-01-05 04:07:43 · answer #4 · answered by David E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vintage is generally better...HOWEVER,
2005 was not a good year...many NZ crops incurred frost damage which had a negative impact on that harvest. This has an impact on wine flavor as well. 2006 was the better of the 2 years for NZ wines.
As far as the age goes, if you are looking for a more assertive flavor...2006 would be the way to go. 2005 may have more consistency or body being aged a bit.
It all depends on your taste...but, either way you are getting a good wine.
2007-01-05 03:35:52 · answer #5 · answered by hankipanki 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋