2021 Greystone Pinot Gris Organic, Waipara

A dry-ish, soft-textured and rather mellow pinot gris with ripe pear, apple and honeysuckle flavours and nutty yeast lees characters adding extra interest. An appealing wine 10 FEB 2022 Drink 2022–2026

92 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Greystone Pinot Gris from Waipara is a beautifully expressive organic white that captures the essence of North Canterbury’s limestone-rich soils and coastal climate. Greystone is one of New Zealand’s most progressive wineries, and this Pinot Gris is grown on rolling hills just a few kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard is certified organic and farmed with a focus on biodiversity, soil vitality and minimal intervention.

The fruit is hand-harvested at full ripeness to preserve texture and complexity. Winemaker Dom Maxwell uses a mix of stainless steel and old oak for fermentation, often with wild yeasts and a touch of skin contact, to enhance depth and aromatic detail. Lees ageing adds further weight and savoury nuance without sacrificing freshness.

On the nose, you’ll find nashi pear, white peach, and jasmine, backed by hints of baking spice and wet stone. The palate is creamy and generous, with fleshy orchard fruit at its core and a gentle mineral drive pulling it all into a long, silky finish. It balances richness with tension in a way that few Pinot Gris manage to achieve, making it both incredibly drinkable and quietly sophisticated.

Greystone’s Pinot Gris is ideal with roasted pork belly, miso-glazed eggplant or creamy seafood pasta. It’s an outstanding example of what New Zealand can achieve with this often-underappreciated grape.