Greywacke Pinot Noir 2021

Region and Vineyards

The fruit for the Greywacke Pinot Noir was sourced from vineyards in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, particularly the Yarrum Vineyard on the Brancott/Ben Morven ridge. The vineyards are known for their clay-loam soils, which contribute to the wine’s rich texture and depth. The sub-region’s wind-blown loess soils, interspersed with gravel, allow for excellent drainage, which helps produce concentrated fruit with fine tannins.

The vineyards are planted with a mix of Dijon clones 115, 777, 667, along with smaller parcels of UCD5 and AM 10/5. These clones are known for producing wines with complex flavors and good aging potential. The vineyards are planted on hillside sites with a high vine density of 3,800 plants per hectare, which enhances the intensity and concentration of the fruit.

Winemaking

The Greywacke Pinot Noir was meticulously crafted using hand-harvested grapes that were chilled overnight before sorting. Most of the fruit was destemmed, with a small portion left as whole bunches, adding structure and complexity to the final wine. The fruit was cold-soaked on skins before undergoing indigenous yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters, with daily plunging to gently extract tannins and color.

After fermentation, the wine was pressed and transferred to French oak barriques, of which 30% were new, where it aged for 11 months. Each clone was aged separately, allowing the unique characteristics of each to shine through. The wine was then blended and bottled.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red.
• Aroma: Aromas of red and black cherries, ripe strawberries, plums, and juicy blackberries, intertwined with spicy notes of cinnamon, clove, and a hint of nutmeg. There is also a subtle, smoky complexity.
• Palate: The palate is finely structured, with a burst of red and dark fruits complemented by earthy undertones and a distinctive smoky edge. The tannins are refined, giving the wine a silky texture, and the finish is long and satisfying with lingering spice.
• Finish: Long and balanced, with a complex mix of ripe fruit, subtle spice, and a smoky character.

Did You Know?

This vintage in Marlborough was notable for its reduced yields, which were caused by a dry winter, early budburst, and challenging weather conditions during flowering. Despite the smaller crop, the fruit that was harvested displayed excellent concentration, leading to wines of exceptional quality.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast duck with cherries: The wine’s red fruit flavors and spice complement the richness of roasted duck and the sweetness of the cherries.
• Grilled lamb with rosemary: The savory, smoky complexity of the wine pairs beautifully with the earthy and herbal notes of rosemary-infused lamb.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy and smoky notes in the wine match well with the umami flavors of mushrooms and creamy risotto.
• Herb-crusted pork tenderloin: The fine tannins and rich fruit profile enhance the savory flavors of the herb crust while balancing the richness of the pork.

History of Greywacke Estate

The story of Greywacke begins with Kevin Judd, one of the leading figures in New Zealand's wine industry. Born in England and raised in Australia, Judd moved to New Zealand in 1983 to pursue winemaking. His work as the founding winemaker at Cloudy Bay, one of Marlborough’s most famous wineries, catapulted the region to international fame, particularly for its Sauvignon Blanc. Over his 25-year career at Cloudy Bay, Judd helped shape the style of Marlborough’s wines, known for their vibrant acidity and intense fruit flavors.

In 2009, after leaving Cloudy Bay, Judd founded Greywacke as his own independent project, allowing him to focus on crafting wines with a more artisanal, hands-on approach. Initially producing the wines at Dog Point Winery, another notable Marlborough estate, Greywacke became a standalone brand that quickly gained a reputation for quality. Judd named the winery after the greywacke stones that are scattered throughout Marlborough’s vineyards, symbolizing the estate’s deep roots in the local soil.

Greywacke remains a family-run business, with Judd overseeing both the vineyard management and winemaking. His wife, Kimberley, also plays an integral role in the estate’s operations. With a small but dedicated team, Greywacke has established itself as one of Marlborough’s top boutique wineries, producing wines that are both complex and expressive of the region’s terroir.

Region and Vineyards

Greywacke sources its grapes from some of the finest vineyards across Marlborough, focusing on the Southern Valleys and Wairau Plains. The region is New Zealand’s premier wine-growing area, benefiting from a cool maritime climate and long growing season. This combination of climate and geography enables Greywacke to produce wines with intense flavors, vibrant acidity, and a remarkable sense of place.

The Southern Valleys, where Greywacke’s Pinot Noir is primarily sourced, is known for its clay-rich soils, which contribute texture and complexity to the wines. The vineyards here benefit from warmer temperatures, allowing the grapes to achieve full ripeness while maintaining freshness. The Wairau Plains, on the other hand, are characterized by stony, alluvial soils that drain freely and are ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc. These soils, combined with the region’s abundant sunshine, produce wines with bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity.

Greywacke’s vineyards are managed with sustainability at the forefront, and many of the sites are organically farmed. The winery adheres to Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) guidelines, ensuring that its wines meet the highest standards of provenance, quality, and environmental stewardship. Greywacke focuses on low yields to ensure the concentration and quality of the fruit, with hand-harvesting and meticulous vineyard care throughout the growing season.

Wine Range

Greywacke is best known for its iconic Sauvignon Blanc, which combines vibrant tropical fruit flavors with subtle complexity from wild fermentation. The range also includes:

• Wild Sauvignon: A more complex, oak-aged expression of Sauvignon Blanc, fermented with wild yeasts to add depth and texture.
• Pinot Noir: Elegant and structured, Greywacke’s Pinot Noir showcases red fruit, spice, and earthy undertones, reflecting the diverse terroirs of Marlborough.
• Chardonnay: A rich and textured wine with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and integrated oak, made in a style that balances freshness with complexity.
• Riesling and Gewürztraminer: Small-batch aromatic wines that emphasize purity of fruit and vibrant acidity.

Did You Know?

In addition to his winemaking achievements, Kevin Judd is a talented photographer. His passion for photography is often showcased on the Greywacke wine labels, which feature his evocative images of New Zealand’s landscapes. His photography has been exhibited internationally and is the subject of several books, including The Colour of Wine.