Muddy Water - Slow Hand Pinot Noir 2012

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: Slowhand is an iron fist in a velvet glove; it delivers great power yet is seamless and smooth. The late-ripening fruit is full of heady plum and blueberry characters, and the textural and length elements are exemplary – the feel of velvet and persistence is unrivalled. Slowhand is our rarest Pinot Noir; it's not made every year and is made in small batches only. Deep red cherry colour with a nose of lifted florals, blue and black berries, spice and rich plum. The palate is sensual and textual. Initial restrained power unfolds and build to a long and lively length with integrated tannins and savoury French oak.