Best of the Best Wines 2009 (Peter Saunders)
5 stars, Wine Orbit, Sam Kim, August 2009
Peter Saunders, Best of the Best Wines 2009: "This demonstrates why Muddy Water is a leader in this country's rieslings. Just off-dry (14 g/p/l). Lovely fruit characters have opened up in this wine with a lot of finesse and longevity. A classic with some considerable distinction. A great Waipara statement with many years of fine dining ahead."
Wine Orbit, Sam Kim, August 2009: "Grapes were sourced from their selected growers, hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The nose is attractively fragrant showing candied lemon, floral and a touch of apricot characters. It's gently sweet on the palate with silky texture and crisp lemony acidity. Superbly concentrated and structured Riesling with a gently rich mouthfeel. At is best now to 2013. 5 stars."
The tiniest crop levels and meticulous winemaking set Muddy Water Rieslings apart every year giving them great concentration and making them long lasters. The estates’ limestone rich soils have again given the James Hardwick its trademark stamp of citrus, apple and mineral flavours with a crisp zingyness in the mid palate. The finish lasts forever. (14g/l/r.s.).
Situated in the Waipara area of North Canterbury, New Zealand, Muddy Water is a direct translation from the Maori place name - wai (water) para (sediment, mud).
Vineyards are situated on sunny slopes above the Waipara Valley in North Canterbury, on the South Island of New Zealand. Protected from cool sea breezes by a range of coastal hills, the Waipara area has a climate distinct from the rest of Canterbury.
Cold, frosty winters, warm dry summers and dry sunny autumns provide intensely flavoured ripe grapes. Soils are loam over calcarious clay on limestone bedrock, ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, mirroring the Burgundian soils that are the natural home of these great varieties.
Muddy Water is the dream of owners Michael and Jane East, who purchased the property in 1993. The first wines were produced in 1997.
2007 vintage: 5 stars, Decanter February 2009 issue. “Full-flavoured, medium-dry Riesling with strong apple and lime characters. Sweetness is balanced by fine acidity.” – Bob Campbell, MW.
