2021 Greystone Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir, Waipara

There's a sense of exotic vibrancy to the aromatic profile here with wisps of hanging game, struck flint and souk-like spice wafting up through the dark cherry and plum fruits. 20% whole bunches were included in the mix, making their presence felt through textural slink and amaro tones with a bit more chew to the chalky tannin profile on the back-end. The finish is savoury and stony with a elegant, tautly-framed minerality on the exit. Drink to 2034

95 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, January 2025

Bright, peppery pinot noir with mushroom, cherry, dried herbs, spicy oak and a suggestion of forest floor flavours with a backbone of fine, drying tannins and gentle acidity. Savoury flavours dominate. Moderately complex. Drink to 2029.

95 points Bob Campbell for The Real Review, August 2023

The fruit for this wine was handpicked and fermented outside within the vineyard. The fruit was de-stemmed, and the ferment allowed to start on its own accord with indigenous yeasts at ambient temperatures. The vats were hand plunged daily allowed a short maceration post-ferment ahead of a fifteen-month maturation in seasoned oak barrels. The blended wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

About this producer

Greystone is a certified organic producer of wines in the Omihi Hills area of Waipara on New Zealand’s South Island. Established in 2000, it remains in the hands of the Thomas family, whose love of the land extends well beyond organics, with sustainability woven into all aspects of the business, and rejuvenation of the land an ongoing part of life.