Description
Made by award winning organic winery Greystone in North Cantebury in New Zealand’s South Island. Winemaker Dominic Maxwell and viticulturist, Nick Gill are rising stars of the industry and this stunning Waipara Valley estate on the Omihi slopes with its clay-limestone soils and free draining gravels is perfect for grape growing. An exceptional north facing site, limestone hills slope down to clay, the perfect combination for growing wines with minerality and concentration.
Winemaker Dom Maxwell was awarded NZ Winemaker of the Year 2018, Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine and the winery was awarded “Vineyard of the Year” at 2016 NZ Organic Wine award.
Formally known as Sand Dollar Pinot Gris.
About the 2025 from the winemakers: Our Pinot Gris is grown on the flat blocks at the west of the vineyard, on windblown loess and clay soils. Here we grow two Pinot Gris clones 2/15 and 2/21, originally from Giesenheim. The growing season started with crisp Spring mornings, limiting bunches per vine, progressing then into a dry summer with frequent strong Nor West winds – bringing warm and drying winds to North Canterbury. These low yields and dry conditions led to a high quality harvest at the vineyard with settled weather allowing for gradual and even ripening of fruit. Each Pinot Gris block was hand picked in the cool of the autumn morning for retention of freshness of fruit.
“Picking decisions were taken to maximize fruit expression whilst still maintaining the delicate balance between ripeness & acidity. The fruit was gently pressed with only the free run juice going to tank & a small portion being run to neutral French oak barrels. A slow cool fermentation followed to ensure a purity of fruit & then aged on yeast lees for approximately 6 months to add texture and mouth feel. Both parcels of wine were then blended together adding different layers of texture & additional complexity to the finished wine before being estate bottled here at the Greystone vineyard.
“Ripe nashi, vanilla pod, nectarines with subtle baking spices on the nose and palate provide weight to the long palate. Quince jelly and orange peel notes with an underlying creaminess provide layers, textures and complexity.”
Accolades: Champion Pinot Gris – NZ Organic Wine Awards 2026; Gold Medal – NZ Organic Wine Awards 2026
5 Stars & 95 points, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit “Elegantly complex and enticing, the bouquet reveals poached pear, citrus peel, fig, biscotti, and subtle savoury notes, leading to a wonderfully weighted palate that’s succulent and fleshy. Splendidly balanced by juicy acidity, making it flavoursome and highly enjoyable. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2032.”
93 points, Cameron Douglas MS “A wonderfully pure fruited bouquet with scents of pears and ripe quince, mineral and apple, chalk and seashell. Just off-dry as the wine touches the palate with a satin-cream touch and plenty of acidity contrast the fleshy white fruits flavours, white pepper, flowers and mineral. A lovely example, well made and lengthy with best drinking from day of purchase through 2029+.”
RRP $38 Our Special Price $28.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
