Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Product Information: Winemaker Jeni Parr describes the 2022 Waitaki Pinot Noir as having “a translucent garnet hue with aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate and pomelo laced with wild thyme, cedar, and gunflint. This unique bouquet is followed on the palate with cardamom, allspice, damson plum, strawberry, and tart cherry. The wine is lithe and agile with fine tannins and incredible persistence, finishing with distinctive salinity. Intense fragrance, unique savoury undertones, and electric energy are the hallmarks of Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir and the 2022 vintage delivers this in a balletic way. Mesmerising at release, this wine will continue to develop for at 15+ year.” Fruit comes from Grant’s Road, Waitaki, North Otago. Is fermented with 5% whole bunch to 12.5% alc, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 30% new oak (Mercurey, Ana Selection, Damy). Maker: VALLI is the personal vocation of pioneering winemaker Grant Taylor a name that’s 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 Valliin 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. Vineyard: Waitaki is New Zealand’s newest and most exciting wine growing region, this Pinot Noir comes from Grant’s Road, Waitaki Valley, North Otago which was first planted in 2001. Like Burgundy, the soils are limestone based soil. These soils lend an incredible ethereal nature to the wines, which are highlighted by perfume and minerality. The maritime climate helps by moderating the temperatures. Being slightly cooler than Central Otago, the Waitaki Valley should not be cropped as heavily, and therefore Valli’s Waitaki Vineyard is close planted at 5000 vines per hectare with early ripening clones from Dijon and Pommard (115, 777, Abel, UCD 5, 114). Nose – Deep Floral, Sweet Herbs, Earthy Undertone This has an enticing, elegant bouquet with deep floral, sweet herbs and spices, underlying ripe red cherry, strawberry, and an earthy undertone. Palate – Red Cherry, Thyme, Charred Wood Medium-light bodied, aromas of red cherry intermixed raspberry, black cherry, floral, thyme, charred wood, cinnamon and allspice, underlying an earthy, savoury undertone. Finish – Silky, Delicate Tannins, Chalky Minerals The refined wine showcases bright red fruit, spice and earth, along with a chalky thread and lacy acidity. Silky, delicate tannins reflect savoury, earthy elements and lend a long, engaging finish. A fascinating and complex bouquet filled with scents of light and dark skinned cherry, some raspberry and yellow plum. There’s a distinctive seam of mineral chalk cushioned by core bright red berry fruit flavours, layers of spice and a touch of white smoke. A delicious wine an abundance of polished fine textured tannins and backbone of acidity. Well made, dry, lengthy and complex. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. – Cam Douglas MS, 95 Points. The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – New Zealand Region – Central Otago Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.5%