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.
Climate, rather than soil, attributes to the main difference in the wines.
The grapes for the Valli Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 were handpicked before being fermented with 30% whole bunch fruit in French Oak (28% new oak) for 11 months before being bottled unfined and crossflow filtered.
The Valli Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 has a bright garnet hue with a lifted fragrance that mingles dried florals, fresh mint, wild thyme, Otago cherry, mulberry, and new leather.
The flavours complement the aromas with forest fruits, lush florals and an intriguing flinty note.
Immediately fresh, the finely textured palate builds in the mouth and crescendos with appropriate grip and incredible persistence.
Vibrant at release, this wine is apt for cellaring and will continue to evolve for 15+/-years.
– Jen Parr, Winemaker.
An energetic burst of red berry, plum and cherry infused with a forest floor and truffly mushroom undercurrent.
Exquisitely poised with velvety tannins, a crunchy acidity and a beautifully youthful, autumn leaf texture.
Long and peppery.
– Decanter World Wine Awards, 97 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – New Zealand Region – Central Otago Vintage – 2021 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.5%
