Cloudy Bay Pelorus is one of the finest sparkling wines to come out of New Zealand, hardly surprising given the impeccable pedigree of Cloudy Bay. Pelorus is a Chardonnay dominant blend has spent a noteworthy two years on its lees deriving character building yeast and toasty brioche notes, together with a luscious textural, creamy palate. There's plenty of ripe citrus and apple fruit, driving a palate that's lively, super fine, long and above all savoury.
"Lots of cracked yeast and bread, white peach and citrus - complexity and intensity here. Full flavoured, briney and high impact, with fine acidity and an attractive bubbly mouth-feel. Has some Champagne character, yet also has individual style and quality. Very good. Surprisingly so. Alcohol: 12.5%. Closure: screwcap. Date tasted: Dec 12. Drink: 2012-2018. Price: $35. Rating: 93 Points.- Gary Walsh; The Wine Front.
"93 Points. This chardonnay-dominant, traditional-method sparkling wine spends two years on lees before being disgorged. Although pinot noir occupies a minority role in the blend, it asserts itself with rich chocolate-like flavours and added palate weight. A portion of the base wine is held in large oak vats and small French oak barriques to give added complexity from the decomposing yeast lees and the oak. The wine is crisp and fresh with apple-like chardonnay flavours evident. They've got the dosage perfectly right - it's dry, but not searing dry."- Bob Campbell, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine.
