VALLI WAITAKI VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2020

Selected for the Fine Wines of New Zealand List

Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir is the first ever Waitaki wine to be selected for the very prestigious "Fine Wines of New Zealand" list. this is quite an achievement and gives Grant Taylor and his talented team great recognition for their hard and enduring work in bringing this untamed and somewhat marginal region into the limelight. Congratulations.

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"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. Captivating at release, this wine will continue to develop for a decade."

5 Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"Finely perfumed, the 2020 vintage is a ruby hued, medium to full-bodied red, with youthful cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing good ripeness and complexity. Very fresh and supple, it's a lithe, graceful wine with obvious potential; best drinking 2024+. "

Reviews for the 2019 vintage below…

5 Stars & 97/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"It’s gorgeously perfumed on the nose with sweet cherry, raspberry, thyme and hazelnut characters. The enticing palate exhibits excellent concentration and persistency, combined with savoury nuances and fine tannins, finishing impressively long and satisfying. At its best: 2023 to 2031."

5 Stars & 19.5/20 (98) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, May 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Moderate ruby-red, lighter on the rim. The bouquet is fragrant and softly full, elegantly presented, alluring red floral, concentrated nuances of raspberries, cherries unfolding delicate spices interweave fresh thyme, and a mineral thread. Medium-light bodied, stunning aromas filled the palate, pretty florals, raspberries, cherries with a hint of plum, subtle earthiness, and thyme linger, adorned by light spices. The mouthfeel is refined, almost chalky, powdery tannin lightly coated the palate. The fruit has concentration and depth, carry by lacy acidity and minerality to linearity. This Pinot Noir is a brilliant site reflection of Waitaki Valley, displaying fragranced red fruit, lacy acidity and fine mineral on a supple, elegant tannin palate. Match with quail and Canterbury black truffle risotto over the next 8-10 years. Fruit was sourced from Grant's Road, Waitaki Valley, extremely low tonnage of 0.75 ton/ha. Fermented with 5% whole bunch to 13% alc, aged in French oak barrels for 11 months, 25% new oak."

Rated Outstanding & 96/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2019 Vintage)
"Complex and detailed, mineral and fruit centric bouquet. Aromas of limestone and hard clay, red berry fruits then sweet new oak. Flavours of raspberry and red cherry lead the palate, then sweet wood and mineral, red apple and spice. An abundance of tannins and acidity, then roses and a light-weight salinity. Wonderful texture and length, purity and pinosity. Best drinking from early 2023 through 2030."

94/100 Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com, February 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Very fragrant, fresh and floral style on the nose with rose perfume, wild red cherries and saffron, as well as white pepper, strawberries and crushed stones. The palate has a very elegant, vibrant feel with fine tannins that are set like plaster and carry strawberry and wild red-cherry flavours. Some berry tea to close. The acidity is a feature."

94/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2019 Vintage)
"Aromatic wine with a tantalisingly floral aroma. Bright cherry, anise, oyster-shell and a smattering of fresh herbs are evident on the palate. A fine-boned pinot noir with plenty of cellaring potential Drink 2021 to 2032."