Recently, Cloudy Bay releases its 2022 Sauvignon Blanc around the world, heralding the launch of its distinctive new packaging.. I was invited for the exclusive launch which was held on the 24th of November at Park 28, a boutique park dining at Mutiara Damansara, PJ.
A personalised gift – guests were gifted a specially curated Cloudy Bay gift box set that includes the newly launched Sauvignon Blanc 2022.
This will be a remarkable one for Cloudy Bay, with its 2022 Sauvignon Blanc greeting the world in brand-new packaging. After a superb growing season came a challenging harvest, and the 2022 vintage is proof that a bit of adversity brings out the best.
A 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.
Cherry Koh, Senior Brand Manager of Moët Hennessy Malaysia sharing with guests about the joyous event.
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 wine itself is more citrus-forward this year. According to senior winemaker Nikolai St George, it’s an excellent example of Sauvignon Blanc’s dynamics and hidden depths. “Underneath those classic punchy aromatics, there’s a really nice interplay of ripe citrus and subtle stone fruit,” he says. “The length is seriously impressive, and I highly recommend keeping a couple of bottles aside to taste again in a few years.”
Mr. Chong Wai Keng, Brand Ambassador of Moët Hennessy Malaysia sharing more in-depth information about Sauvignon Blanc 2022 during the luncheon.
As if new wine was not enough to celebrate, this vintage will be the first to be contained in Cloudy Bay’s bespoke redesigned bottles. Yang Shen, Estate Director for Cloudy Bay, says the new bottles reference the brand’s heritage while marking a new chapter in Cloudy Bay’s story.
“The pack represents a refresh and polish of our brand codes, but also a return to our heritage,” he says. “We wanted to further embrace the beautiful Richmond Ranges that can be seen from our winery, and which were such a core part of the original Cloudy Bay label.”
The famously minimalist label has been refined, now emblazoned on a canvas-feel paper stock with a die-cut silhouette of the iconic Richmond Ranges. This motif goes a step further, with the ranges also embossed in the glass for a unique tactile experience.
Yang Shen commented, “We are proud of our history, feel a sense of responsibility to ensure that we challenge ourselves to continually improve in everything that we do, and believe that our 2022 vintage in this bottle is a definite step in the right direction,” he says. “It’s a story of adventure and innovation, of dedication and hard work, and reflects where we are right now.”
Guests sharing a joyous moment with a toast to celebrate the successful launch of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022.
The launch was attended by Epicures - showcased a delightful array of seafood pairing led by Founder and Owner of SHUCKED Oyster, Josh Green.
Josh Green, Founder of Shucked Oyster and Seafood Bar, shared fun facts about the origin of the oysters and how they differ from each other.
Through his aspiration to bring to Malaysian shores the finest and freshest seafood produce, guests were treated to an intriguing oyster shucking session that brought guests on a thrilling journey, learning the proper technique to pop open the delicious oyster and clam treats from KL’s very own oyster aficionado and his skilled team.
The flavourful affair delivered a transcendental experience to Cloudy Bay enthusiasts that were captivated by the flavour pairing of seafood and the newly released Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022 vintage.
A thrilling affair - guests enjoying the extraordinary oyster shucking experience during the launch.
Assembled with a deluxe selection of hand-picked fresh oysters and clams, guests were dazzled by a range of flavours where their senses were brought on a voyage around the world of oysters starting with the punchy and briny Tasmanian Prime oysters from the pristine shores of Tasmania, followed by Holland’s inland saltwater lakes catch of well-known “flats'' called grand Dutch Imperial Natives, and back to Ireland for one of the best oysters in the world known as the Irish Premium Oysters called Gallagher Specials and finished with the spectacular wild caught Cloudy Bay clam from the home of the wine, Diamond Shell Cloudy Bay Clam.
For those who are wondering about the taste note of this new 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, it has a zesty and vibrant nose, with notes of juicy citrus and makrut lime underpinned by subtle white nectarine and passionfruit notes. In my opinion, it has a very balanced taste, not too over on the sourish acidity side and very easy to drink.
I had the pleasure to savour the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc paired with an array of seafood from SHUCKED Oyster as you can see above as well as a luscious course of dishes from Park 28.
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.
Here comes the main course – A5 Miyazaki Wagyu with Portobello Mushroom Confit and Garlic Pea Sprout, Roma Tomato Pesto Smoked Garlic Theme Jus. *Chef's kiss*👨🍳💋
For a sweet ending, we had Passion Fruit Mango Tart serve with fresh mango dice.
For Cloudy Bay enthusiasts, you can grab the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from participating retailers such as BIG, Village Grocer, Jaya Grocer and TheGoodstuffs.my.
As usual before I end my post, here's a reminder to all my readers – Remember not to drink and drive.
Grab an e-hailing ride or get a designated driver. Stay safe and cheers!!
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Cheers to an adventure-filled year ahead!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pairing, those seafood & wagyu!
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