2023 Greywacke Riesling, Marlborough

A halo of green apple, schist and mica soils. There are dry, stony riverbed minerals, some Cape gooseberries and preserved lemons. A hint of lime juice. Its powerful aromas are bolstered by a dollop of sweetness that softens the guiding acid drive. This is in a good drinking place, capable of showing off richness with honeysuckle sweetness. Pork-and-fennel sausages would be ideal. Drink to 2030.

93 points & Special Value, Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026

Ripe, almost tropical with mangosteen and passionfruit aromas, this explodes on the palate with sweet exotic fruit. Decadent expression with noticeable sweetness on the palate yet held tightly in check by driving acidity and phenolic structure to finish medium-dry. A blockbuster style of riesling that is packed full of flavour. Drink to 2033.

93 points Stephen Wong for The Real Review, January 2025

Aromas of dried apples, pears, petrol and graphite. Medium-bodied with an off-dry palate of sliced peaches and hints of limes and kiwis. Intense, lively flavors. Drink now.

92 points James Suckling, June 2025

The off-dry 2023 Riesling has a finely scented, pure, cool-climate expression. Delicately handled, clean and precise, the 19 g/L of residual sugar provides an element of juicy flesh yet remains light on its feet. The wine's naturally vibrant acidity (the pH is a low 2.86) provides the counterpoint to the lick of sweetness. Lime and nectarine flavors join a certain steeliness of character before leaving a fine, powdery finish. Drink to 2035.

92 points Rebecca Gibb for Vinous, March 2025

From the windswept valleys and sunlit river terraces of Marlborough comes a Riesling that perfectly captures the thoughtful, quietly confident style of Kevin Judd. Best known as the founding winemaker behind Cloudy Bay, Judd created Greywacke as a deeply personal project, named after the ancient stone that underpins much of the region’s soils. His philosophy leans toward texture, site expression and drinkability rather than overt showiness, and this Riesling reflects that beautifully. Fruit is sourced from select vineyards where cool nights and long growing seasons allow flavours to build slowly while retaining piercing natural acidity.

Pale straw with green flashes, the wine opens with lifted aromas of lime zest, green apple and white nectarine threaded with jasmine, wet stone and a delicate hint of honeysuckle. There is an inviting purity to the fruit. The palate glides between gentle sweetness and vibrant citrus tension, creating a style that feels both refreshing and quietly layered. Notes of lemon sherbet, crunchy pear and slate like minerality carry through a long, mouthwatering finish that keeps you coming back for another taste.

This is a Riesling that suits real life moments as much as serious contemplation. Think sunny afternoons, bare feet on cool decking and a chilled glass within easy reach, or perhaps spicy Thai green curry, fresh oysters with finger lime, or crispy pork belly with apple and fennel. Beautifully approachable now yet capable of developing toast, kerosene and preserved citrus nuances over the next eight to twelve years in the cellar. Marlborough Riesling at its most authentic and engaging.