Critic tasting note: "Moderately deep ruby-red with a garnet reflection, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is enticing and complex, enveloping fresh and dried floral from afar. In the glass, hibiscus, rose and herbs interweaved with Bing cherry, plum, strawberry, shiitake, sous bois and spice. Medium-bodied, expressive and concentrated palate layered Bing cherry, plum and strawberry, unveiling hibiscus, rose petal, wild thyme, sous bois, shiitake, cedar and black pepper. Velvety tannin lightly coated with palate with texture, penetrating undergrowth, liquorice and savoury elements. Seamless, lacy acidity carries spice to linearity. This Pinot Noir is immensely pleasurable, with a complex, concentrated core, fine tannin structure and seamless integration, showing excellent cellaring potential. Match with game and truffle over the next 12+ years. Fruit from Grant's Road, 100% destemmed fruit, fermented to 14% alc, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 29% new. 592 dozen produced." - 20/20, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
A light garnet hue with wild strawberry and plum married with black olive, maple, sage and oyster shell. The intriguing bouquet follows on the palate with garrigue spice, cardamom damson plum, tart cherry, and mushroom. The palate has deceptive intensity with fine tannins and incredible persistence, finishing with distinctive salinity. Intense fragrance, unique savoury undertones, and electric energy = classic Waitaki Pinot Noir and this vintage is no exception.
ABOUT `VALLI VINEYARDS`
VALLI is the personal vocation of pioneering winemaker Grant Taylor. Grant’s name is synonymous with Otago Pinot Noir. He has been crafting wines there since 1993 when there were only 20 ha planted – today there are over 2000. Grant founded VALLI in 1998 with the intention to produce single vineyard Pinot Noirs highlighting the different characteristics of Otago’s sub regions. More than 20 years later, VALLI is doing just that, producing single-vineyard pinot noirs from Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Bendigo in Central Otago and the Waitaki Valley in North Otago, as well as a dry Pinot Gris from Gibbston and a Riesling from Waitaki. In 2015, established Otago winemaker Jen Parr joined Grant in the winery where the two aim to create wines with honesty, integrity, and most of all, a sense of place. When you drink a Valli wine, you are enjoying more than just a wine: you are experiencing a place.
