Description
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.
The location of Valli’s Bannockburn Vineyard is only 20km from Gibbston in the Cromwell basin but the difference in climate is responsible for creating markedly different wines. The Bannockburn wines reflect this warmer area by displaying darker fruits, by being denser, more powerful and with longevity based more on their tannin structure, as opposed to Gibbston wines which are based more on their acidity. The soils are also windblown loess over gravelly schist but with sandier, deeper topsoil, which allows for free draining. Climate, rather than soil, attributes to the main difference in the wines.
About this wine from the winemaker, Jen Parr ‘Bright garnet hue with a lifted fragrance that combines dried florals, wild thyme, wild mushroom, cherry, raspberry and new leather. The flavours complement the aromas with dark fruit, dried herb with intriguing savoury notes. Immediately captivating the fine tannins build in the mouth, dancing in harmony with the fresh acidity. Taut yet expressive at release, this wine is apt for cellaring and will continue to evolve for 15+/- years.’ Jen Parr – August 2023
Double Gold Medal – NZ International Wine Show 2024
97 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review “Typical juicy Bannockburn style with an extraordinary lengthy finish that elevates the wine above its peers. A hint of floral aromas with cassis, dark-fleshed plum, blackberry and a subtle seasoning of spicy oak. Delicious wine that can be appreciated now.”
95 points, Cam Douglas MS “Wonderfully complex and new, there’s no mistaking the layers in the bouquet with aromas of place from minerality to ripe red berry fruits of boysenberry and plum then dark cherry and some raspberry suggestions. The scents of baking spices and smoke from barrel are both sweet and lifted as well as complex. A dry and equally complex wine touches the palate with textures and flavours that reflect the bouquet all at once teasing with polished tannins and medium+ acidity then red fruits and spice. Well made with a lengthy finish. Best drinking from 2025 through 2034.”
95 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion “With dark cherry, redcurrant and raspberry pip aromas, the 2022 Bannockburn shows detail and freshness with an airy sense of space and plenty of light flowing in. There’s some nice spice and light amaro tones (hello 32% whole bunch) along with hints of dried herbs, pressed wildflowers and crushed schist. I really enjoyed the clarity in this wine. Its travel is long and true, everything weighted just so, and it has a minerally cadence that pumps the beat along beautifully.”
RRP $104 Our Special Price $83.99 when you buy 6 or more
