VALLI BENDIGO VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2023

From Chinaman’s Terrace in Bendigo, the Valli Bendigo Pinot Noir is the most powerful and structured of the subregions owing to 40% whole bunch during fermentation.

Jen Parr, Winemaker notes (2023 Vintage)
"Deep garnet hue with a seductive and slightly bashful nose of blackberry, dark cherry, plum, lily, sweet pea, rosemary, birch, and dark chocolate. The palate is tightly woven with layers of dark fruit and spice laced together by a fresh vein of acidity. The mouth-coating tannins give an inviting warmth to the wine, reminiscent of sitting by a campfire under a starlit sky. This exceptional vintage is generous yet restrained and has a tangy freshness derived from grapes grown at elevation. Captivating in its youth, this wine should develop beautifully for 20+ years."

95/100 Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com, Wine Advocate, February 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"The 2023 Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir is powerfully ripe and concentrated, and it has softer acidity than the Bannockburn tasted next to it. I like this wine very much… It really penetrates the palate with flavour and is built with such complexity and layers. Texturally, the tannins are plentiful but remain pliable, and there is a real garden-rose floral character here that persists beyond the intense cherries, raspberries and moss. This is a gorgeous wine, thoroughly recommended."

5 Stars & 97/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, April 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"Impressively complex and enticing, the wine shows dark plum, cured meat, fennel, porcini, and cedar characters on the nose. The concentrated palate exhibits outstanding depth and weight, combined with plush texture and bold tannins, making it brooding yet balanced with a persistent, sophisticated finish. At its best: 2026 to 2038."

5 Stars & 19.0/20 (95) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Review, April 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"Deep ruby-black, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is focused and rich, with aromas of plum, black cherry, blackberry, herb, fine spices and savoury elements. Medium-full bodied, aromas of black plum, cherry and blackberry entwined with dried herb, cinnamon bark, nutmeg, lavender and a touch of game. Tightly bounded, dusty tannins provide a fine grip and unfolding savoury herbs and gamey nuances. Fresh acidity carries spices and herbs to a bold, savoury finish. A rich, savoury expression with balance and layers, displaying tight-grained tannins, extending vitality and allure. Match with roasted lamb and wild boar over the next 15 years. Fermented with 40% whole bunch, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 26% new oak. 13.5% alc."