Greystone, Erin's Chardonnay, Waipara Valley, 2015

Greystone started life in 2000 when the Thomas Family purchased a farm on the Omihi hills. The winery’s name comes from the unique limestone conglomerate of fossils, seashells and small pebbles that are found on the bedrock where the vines grow. This soil profile offered a perfect opportunity for viticulturist Nick Gill to realise the full potential of the site, and in 2008, with winemaker Dom Maxwell, the first wines were created. Erin’s is made from Chardonnay grapes grown on the steepest, northwest-facing limestone block. Melanie Brown: A bold palate of tropical fruits and piercing acidity with a flash of a reductive tone. Minerality breaks through intermittently, and the gloriously silky texture provides warmth and authenticity. Rebecca Gibb MW: Smoky bacon and struck match spring to mind here. This is a savoury Chardonnay with plenty of personality. Heaps of concentration and just the right balance between richness and freshness. Roger Jones: A racy wine with perfectly ripe white stone fruit, minerality, spicy notes and lovely acidity. A struck-match quality gives a controlled, beautiful, evolving wine.