Her Mir Tage

9.0

Cloudburst- Australia Cult Wine-2020Malbec

I had the opportunity to taste multiple wines from Cloudburst, a cult winery in Margaret River, Western Australia. While the region is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and the winemaker's 2020 and 2022 Chardonnays were excellent, the highest score of the night went to the 2020 Malbec.

The 2020 Malbec presented a nose of ripe banana and a distinct greenness, evoking the scent of summer fruit in a lush, "Wizard of Oz"-like landscape. This wine definitely needed time to open up; it took a full two hours for its true character to emerge. When it did, it revealed very soft and rounded red fruit flavours, a hint of spiciness, and was perfectly balanced with well-defined layers and silky tannins. There was a remarkable contrast between the aromas on the nose and the flavours on the palate.

Of course, I also loved the winemaker's Chardonnays. The 2022 vintage was leaner in style, with explosive aromas of toasted sesame and a pronounced mineral drive. The 2020 vintage was richer and more rounded, offering secondary notes of brioche, cheese, cream, and toffee, all leading into a very long finish. If I were forced to choose just one more bottle to buy, it would undoubtedly be the 2020 Chardonnay. — a day ago

Chris Gillott

8.9

Great use of wood with a lovely structure and a touch of acid towards the end. Softens down with a little time in the glass. Some oiliness. Good length. Some white nectarines — 8 years ago

Jan A

9.6

Really burgundy like — 9 months ago

David MacMillan

9.3

This is a Chardonnay from Mornington Penninsula, which is a wine region I was unaware of (about 45 mins outside Melbourne). I was really blown away by this wine. Reminded me of a junior version of Cloudburst. Great balance, completely electric minerality......polished but not overdone. Best surprise wine I have had here (I am not posting the wines that have been disappointing). Restaurants here are too into the Arts series from Leeuwin, which is fine but a bit over rated. — 6 years ago

Scott T

VP/Senior Wine Specialist Christie's

9.1

Nicely balanced. Not what you might think of when thinking Australia. Look for this! Winemaker Will Berliner dropped into LA to show us the what's up in Margaret River. — 10 years ago

with Dan

David MacMillan

9.5

Great combination. Cloudburst has to be the closest Chard to a high end white burgundy outside of France. This 2013 was spectacular, with electric minerality. The 1998 Hill of Grace is claimed to be one of the 3 best Australian vintages (along with 02 and 06). Whoever says that Australian wines can’t age is just dead wrong! Anyway, tasted like an aged cuvée CDP and the depth and structure was just outstanding. — 6 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

Rich, deep and intense, drinks like a tremendously high quality California Chardonnay like Aubert CIX Vineyard or the fabulous Australian Cloudburst Chardonnay. Pastry cream, honey, exotic citrus, butter, minerals. — 7 years ago