Cloudy Bay is a well-known winery based in New Zealand that produces a range of wines, including Pinot noir. The winery was founded in 1985 and is named after a bay near Marlborough, where the winery is located. Cloudy Bay Pinot noir is known for its complexity, with flavors of dark berries, black cherry, and subtle hints of spice. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 11 months, which gives it a rich and elegant finish. Cloudy Bay Pinot noir has won numerous awards for its quality and consistency over the years. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable awards won by Cloudy Bay Pinot noir.
Decanter World Wine Awards
The Decanter World Wine Awards is one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. It is held annually in London and attracts entries from all over the world. Cloudy Bay Pinot noir has been a consistent winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards, winning numerous awards over the years. In 2017, the 2014 vintage of Cloudy Bay Pinot noir won a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. The wine was praised for its complexity, with judges noting the wine’s balance of fruit and oak flavors.
International Wine & Spirit Competition
The International Wine & Spirit Competition is another highly respected wine competition that has been held annually in London since 1969. Cloudy Bay Pinot noir has also been a consistent winner at this competition, winning numerous awards over the years. In 2018, the 2015 vintage of Cloudy Bay Pinot noir won a Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. The wine was praised for its elegance and complexity, with judges noting the wine’s silky texture and long finish.
Air New Zealand Wine Awards
The Air New Zealand Wine Awards is New Zealand’s premier wine competition, and it is held annually in Auckland. The competition attracts entries from all over the country, and Cloudy Bay Pinot noir has been a consistent winner over the years. In 2019, the 2016 vintage of Cloudy Bay Pinot noir won a Gold Medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. The wine was praised for its balance of fruit and oak flavors, with judges noting the wine’s smooth texture and long finish.
Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is one of the most respected wine publications in the world, and it publishes an annual list of the Top 100 Wines of the Year. Cloudy Bay Pinot noir has been featured on this list numerous times over the years. In 2016, the 2013 vintage of Cloudy Bay Pinot noir was named the 37th best wine of the year by Wine Spectator. The wine was praised for its complexity, with the publication noting the wine’s mix of fruit, floral, and mineral flavors.
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast is another respected wine publication that publishes an annual list of the Top 100 Wines of the Year. Cloudy Bay Pinot noir has also been featured on this list numerous times over the years. In 2018, the 2014 vintage of Cloudy Bay Pinot noir was named the 81st best wine of the year by Wine Enthusiast. The wine was praised for its balance of fruit and oak flavors, with the publication noting the wine’s long finish and smooth texture.
Sommelier Wine Awards
The Sommelier Wine Awards is a competition held annually in London, and it is judged by a panel of sommeliers from some of the UK’s top restaurants and hotels.
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