Muddy Water - Pinot Noir 2018

Muddy Water was one of the founding wineries in Waipara, New Zealand, and an organic pioneer on the South Island. Planted in 2003 on the clay slopes of the Omihi hills with ungrafted vines, the name Muddy Water comes from the traditional Maori name Wai (water) and Para (muddy) referring to the rich clay soils in the area. Muddy Water's hectares of vines form the oldest certified vineyard in the region and they make all their wines in a straw bale winery on site. All the grapes are harvested by hand, wild fermented and bottled, without fining, on site staying true to their motto Hand-crafted No Compromise. As many New Zealand wines become more commercialised we aim in the other direction, making small batch wines with soul. We believe true fine wines are temporal, each vintage a fleeting snapshot of a place in time. We don't seek to manipulate the final product with additives or flavourings, instead we allow a true interpretation of the soil, vines and season to shine through. The majority of our vines are ungrafted, now a rarity in the industry, giving our wines an authentic expression found in few other places.

Tasting Note: Deep dark plum colour with a nose of red and black cherry, plum and florals. Dark fruit, vineyard elements and oak spice shine through beautifully into a textural palate. Full bodied, elegant, juicy and perfectly balanced.