Who makes it?

Cloudy Bay Te Koko is one of New Zealand’s finest white wine. From the maker of one of the world’s most famous Sauvignon blancs. The brand has been going from strength to strength since its first vintage in 1987. And why not? Since the 2000s, LVMH has been Cloudy Bay’s current owners. They are, of course, the makers of Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot Champagne.  

For many years, it was Cloudy Bay that set the benchmark for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This was due to the expertise of Kevin Judd, who was Cloudy Bay’s first winemaker. Kevin Judd now has his own ground breaking New Zealand label, Greywacke.  

How do they make it?

The grapes for Te Koko come from older vines planted on the flat valley floor of the Wairau Valley. The gravel soils, particularly around the Wairau River, suit Sauvignon Blanc. As does the maritime climate. Both of these are similar to the French region of Bordeaux which produces outstanding Sauvignon Blanc.

Whereas the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is focused on stainless steel fermentation the Te Koko ferments in French oak barrels (mostly new) and large format barrels. The ferment uses indigenous yeasts. The wine spends up to 11 more months lees in a mix of maturation vessels. These include stainless steel and concrete tanks, and large format cuves. The aim is to develop richness and roundness while reducing oxidation and overt oak character. 

To find out more about ‘lees’, please click here to read ‘What are lees?’

What does it taste like?

The fruit ripeness of the Te Koko tends towards guava and grapefruit. Some fresh herb lifts this fragrance. There is some cream there as well. The wine is dry and rounded with a fuller body with a savoury spice, herbs and nectarine on the finish. It is very long and has fleshiness at the core. 

What to drink it with?

While seafood is a great match for this wine, baked fish with almond butter sauce would be ideal. Also vegetable tartlets, chicken pasta dishes. 

Cheese

Match this wine bloomy cheeses, especially washed rind versions.

Quickie review « Cloudy Bay is one of the benchmarks for Sauvignon Blanc for around the world. This is even better. »

Country of Origin:  Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting Date: January 2026
Price:  UK £55 | NZ$70 | AU$
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you other Cloudy Bay wines, why not check out:
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Sparkling Wine
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Visit cloudybay for more.