Ruby in color, the 2009 Pinot Noir has delicate to moderately pronounced aromas of raspberries and cranberries with touches of Provence herbs and underbrush. Medium bodied and well balanced in the mouth, it has a good backbone of high acid, chewy tannins and a long finish. Drinking now, it should remain good to 2015. Established in 1993, Muddy Water has some of the oldest Pinot vines in the area. Danny Schuster planted vines in 1989. The estate has just been purchased by Greystone. All the wines are made from 100% estate grown, certified organic fruit from Waipara.Importer: Via Pacifica Selections US Inc, Sebastopol, CA.

This needs more vigour on the nose – rather mushroomy at the moment. Chewy entry, lots of skin-maceration here with saturated dark plum and raspberry. Nice use of oak but it lacks a little finesse on the finish. Despite its faults, I like its style. Drink now-2011. No known American importer.