Rating: TWO AND A HALF STARS out of FOUR.
A slightly oily nose with sweet lemon, mandarin orange and pink grapefruit plus hints of stone fruit beneath. Similar flavors plus green apple-like, mouthwatering acidity and bit of pith on the finish. One panelist thought it a bit peppery. Lots of character for a reasonable price.

Panelists: Lynne Char Bennett, Chronicle staff writer/wine coordinator; Jon Bonné, Chronicle wine editor; Joanna Breslin, wine consultant; Chris Tavelli, owner, Yield Wine Bar.

Delicate and refined, this is a beautifully poised riesling with mouth-watering lemon/lime flavours with perfectly balanced gentle sweetness.

Scented, medium/dry style with excellent depth of lemon/lime flavours, very fresh, vibrant and finely balanced. Drink now or cellar. 4 stars.

Excerpt from Laurie Daniels article;

"RIESLING: Waipara is less than an hour north of Christchurch, capital of the South Island. About a third of the country's riesling is planted in this valley, which is protected from cold easterly winds and has a moderate climate. (Summers actually can be fairly hot; Christchurch recorded the country's hottest temperature one day during my January visit.) Waipara riesling can be dry or off-dry. Many of them are quite spicy."

"MUD HOUSE makes a wonderful dry style of riesling; the 2007 (about $15), which will be available later this year, is crisp and limey, with a long finish."