Just tasted a couple of brilliant wines from Greystone and Muddy Water from down in the Waipara Valley.

Greystone Waipara Valley Pinot Noir 2012

The Team at Greystone Wines are making some pretty exceptional wines down in Waipara, with awards and trophies for many of their portfolio. This delish Pinot was recently awarded the Trophy for Best Pinot Noir in New Zealand at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2013 and was given 96 points in the Gourmet Traveller Top 12 NZ Pinot Noirs.

On opening this I can see why… Incredible deep red almost black colour in the glass, with soft floral and funky savoury notes in the nose, and on that palate… wow! gorgeous cherries and plums, spicy oak, silky tannins and a wonderful finish – perfectly balanced and very elegant wine…

Muddy Water Waipara Pinotage 2011

I have had this wine in the past but not for a while now. There is only a little pinotage produced in New Zealand and this is the only one I’ve tasted so cannot make comparisons. Muddy Water was purchased by Greystone after it’s owners the East’s decided to retire from the industry. I’m glad that the Muddy Water label has been continued – the wines have always been excellent.

The wine is big – a delicious mouthful! The colour is dark and inviting, and on the nose lots of wild berries, plums and herbal notes. Full flavours of cherries, red and black berries, great texture and mouth feel with wonderfully integrated oak and tannins make it a great food wine – lamb, venison perhaps! I recommend you all least try this once in your life… or twice…

To find out more about these wines visit their website or like their Facbook Page – Cheers!