The Pelorus Sparkling 2004 is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir with at least two-thirds of the crop handpicked with two-years ageing on lees. It has an attractive stony nose with faint hints of nougat and marzipan lending it a sweeter edge. It has a simple palate, quite commercial but balanced with a citrus, apply finish that lacks some length. Big changes at Cloudy Bay, having parted ways with founding winemaker Kevin Judd who stays on as consultant and relinquishing the services of senior winemaker Eveline Fraser in April 2009. I have expressed my reservations with this iconic producer in WA176 and returning one year later I returned as open-minded as ever, yet I still find that their portfolio is a notch behind other Marlborough producers.Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY