The Waipara Valley region has the reputation for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir in the country. The variety that challenges this is Riesling, and any reputable wine producer in the district has premium examples of each. Interestingly the plantings of these two varieties, Pinot Noir with just over 300 ha, and Riesling, with around the same acreage, is surpassed by Sauvignon Blanc, with around 700 ha in the ground. Though much of it flies under the radar, the best producers have excellent examples. Here, I review the Greystone example from estate fruit, and sister label Muddy Water from contracted fruit. www.greystonewines.co.nz