Founding winemaker of Cloudy Bay Kevin Judd is to leave the winery after the 2009 vintage.

Judd, who helped launch the iconic New Zealand estate 25 years ago with David Hohnen of Cape Mentelle, will be focusing on his own wine label and highly respected photography business.

‘When I was offered the winemaking role with Cloudy Bay back in 1984, there was no vineyard, no winery and no name,’ said Judd.

‘Things could only progress – and they certainly did.’

He will continue as consulting winemaker, while Ian Morden, Cloudy Bay’s estate director, will take over the reins.

Cloudy Bay, located in Marlborough, produces one of the top single varietal Sauvignon Blancs. The just-released 2008 vintage retails for £17 (US$25).

Written by Maggie Rosen

Maggie Rosen
Maggie Rosen
Decanter Magazine, Wine Writer & Editor

Maggie Rosen is a wine journalist, editor and author, hailing from New York but based in London. Aside from Decanter, she has contributed to the Financial Times, The Drinks Business, Harpers Wine and Spirit Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, The World of Fine Wine and Meininger's Wine Business International. She is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers.