{"product_id":"cloudy-bay-chardonnay-2023","title":"Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cloudy Bay Vineyards was founded in 1985 in Marlborough on New Zealand’s South Island by David Hohnen, a visionary who believed that Marlborough’s climate and soils could produce world-class wines. Although the estate’s Sauvignon Blanc first brought global attention to New Zealand wine, Cloudy Bay has since expanded its portfolio to include premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery became part of the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin group and later LVMH, yet it has retained its commitment to producing wines that reflect their terroir with purity, balance and precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Wine Maker:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cloudy Bay’s winemaking team combines traditional Burgundian technique with Marlborough’s unique climate advantages. For the 2023 Chardonnay, fruit is gently whole-bunch pressed, then fermented in a combination of French oak barriques and large oak cuves to develop complexity while preserving freshness. All of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to add textural richness. The team’s meticulous approach to fermentation, lees-ageing and blending ensures each vintage expresses both structure and vibrancy.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Micro Climate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The Chardonnay grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards across the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWairau Valley and Southern Valleys\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e of Marlborough, where stony soils in the north and heavier clay soils to the south create a complex terroir. Marlborough’s cool maritime climate, with warm days and cool nights, helps retain natural acidity and develop concentrated flavours. This combination of soils and climate gives the wine its balance of ripe stone fruit character and lively citrus drive, while the mineral influence adds precision and length.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e After gentle pressing, the juice is settled and racked before being transferred to French oak barriques (approximately 20% new) and large oak cuves. Fermentation and subsequent ageing on lees last \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eabout 11 months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, enhancing texture and aromatic complexity. All of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, contributing to a richer palate and harmonious integration of fruit and oak. After ageing, the components are blended to achieve refined balance before bottling.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The 2023 Chardonnay opens with expressive aromas of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ewhite nectarine, pear and citrus\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, complemented by subtle savoury oak complexity. On the palate, it is taut and focused with vibrant citrus and just-ripe apricot, supported by a refreshing vein of minerality that drives the concentrated, mouth-watering finish. The texture is medium-bodied with balanced acidity and fine oak influence, presenting a profile that is refined and poised for food pairing or drinking now.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e This Chardonnay is a natural match for a wide range of dishes. Pair it with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eseafood such as grilled prawns, scallops or lobster with citrus butter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, where its acidity will lift the flavours. It also complements \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ecream-based pasta, poultry with light sauces, soft cheeses, Caprese salad, and lightly grilled vegetables\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. The wine’s balance and subtle oak make it versatile for both elegant dinners and relaxed gatherings.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Serve chilled at \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e10–12 °C (50–54 °F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to highlight its fresh fruit character, vibrant acidity and oak nuances. Use a \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003emedium-bodied white wine glass\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to concentrate aromas and encourage expression of citrus and stone fruit notes. Allow a few minutes in the glass after pouring to let aromatics open fully.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The 2023 vintage is approachable now but will also develop further complexity with careful cellaring. Stored upright in a cool, dark environment with stable humidity and temperature, it can evolve gracefully for \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e5–10 years\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, with tertiary notes integrating into the existing fruit and oak structure.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; Percentage Used:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003e 100% Chardonnay.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume):\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003e Approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e13.5%\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e92 James Suckling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e91 Vinous\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chelsea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922259394774,"sku":null,"price":248.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/CloudyBayChardonnay_c86a8c5f-f04b-4bee-9541-efe32e36457b.png?v=1773667741","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/cloudy-bay-chardonnay-2023","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}