FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Central Otago
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki

  Review Date : 19-May-2021

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Moderate, even ruby-red, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is elegantly full, nuances of red cherries, strawberries entwined with sweet basil, thyme, followed by rose petals, and game with a savoury edge. Medium-bodied, aromas of red cherries, strawberries with a touch of sour cherries, followed by herbaceous thyme, sweet basil and red liquorice. Floral presence found its way amongst game and earthy savouriness. Cinnamon, nutmeg dusting and fruit linger to a long, sleek finish. Dusty tannin has a chewy texture, provide some grip to a lively acid line. This is an elegant and fragrant Pinot Noir with red fruit, delicate complexity and a savoury edge. Match with roasted duck and braised pork belly over the next 12+ years. Fruit sourced from Gibbston, fermented with 25% whole bunch to 13% alc, aged in French oak for 11 months, 30% new oak. 19.5/20 pts (98 pts) May 2021 RRP $69
• Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, North Otago
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki

  Review Date : 19-May-2021

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  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. 19.5/20 pts (98 pts) May 2021 RRP $79
• Valli Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Central Otago
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki

  Review Date : 19-May-2021

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Deep ruby-red with moderate transparency, slightly lighter edged. The nose is gently full and alluring, nuances of plums, cherries and red currants melded with herbaceous thyme, minty herb, floral and an amalgam of spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of black and red fruit are fragrant with a hint of savouriness, followed by black pepper, cardamom, then thyme and mint linger to a long, sustained finish. The mouthfeel is creamy with a silky, fine-grained tannin structure, integrated and emphasised the spices. Lacy acidity has a flinty mineral touch, enhanced fluidity. This is a charming Pinot Noir with flavours of red and black fruit, fragrance and spice on a fine-structured palate. Match with venison backstrap and mushrooms over the next 8+ years. Fruit was sourced from Hall Road, Bannockburn, fermented with 20% whole bunch to 13.5% alc, aged in French oak for 11 months, 30% new oak. 19/20 pts (95 pts) May 2021 RRP $69
• Valli Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Central Otago
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki

  Review Date : 19-May-2021

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Deep ruby-red with moderate transparency, faintly lighter on the rim. The nose is fragrant with subtle power, herbaceous nuances of thyme, liquorice, vine leaves, and stalks interweave a hint of deep floral, black fruit core and spices filled the bouquet. Medium-full bodied, aroma of black cherries, plums, and berries have a concentrated core and a savoury edge, unfolding liquorice, thyme, rose petals, and an amalgam of spice. The mouthfeel is with density, tightly-knitted fine-grained tannin coated the palate with silk and a chewy texture. Balance acidity supports a smooth flow and carries spices across the palate; herbaceous element lingers to a long, refine closing. This is a fragrant Pinot Noir with black fruit and a spice-filled palate, showing power and grace on a fine-textured, silky palate. Match with herb-crusted lamb racks and black truffle risotto over the next 8-10+ years. Fruit was sourced from Chinaman's Terrace, Bendigo, fermented with 58% whole bunch to 14% alc, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new oak. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) May 2021 RRP $69
• Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Gris 2019, Central Otago
  Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki

  Review Date : 19-May-2021

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is soft and has purity, crunchy Nashi pear, green apple interweave white florals, acacia and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, dry to taste, vibrant aromas of green apple, Nashi pear complexed by citrus peels, white florals, followed by acacia, honey and an elegant dusting of five-spice. The wine has freshness and purity of flavours, flows on a refreshing acid drive along subtle, smooth textured phenolic. Honey and acacia scent added richness and linger on the closing. This is a dry, elegant Pinot Gris with crunchy fruit, delicate floral, honey and spice details on a refreshing palate. Match with fried halloumi and chicken satay over the next 4-5 years. Fruit sourced from Gibbston, fermented in stainless steel to 13% alc, 3 g/l RS. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) May 2021 RRP $30
• Valli Waitaki Vineyard Riesling 2020, North Otago
  Riesling from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki

  Review Date : 19-May-2021

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, pale yellow with a slight green hue, even colour throughout. The nose is soft and fresh, with youthful aromas of citrus zest, lime intermix crunchy stony mineral and a hint of honey. Medium-bodied, off-dry to taste, lime, mandarin and citrus zest lead the palate with freshness and vibrancy; a hint of lime flower and honey added interest. An excellent chalky mineral palate and salinity flows with mouthwatering acidity to a dry, refreshing finish. A small dose of residual sugar sweetness contributed to weight and balance to the otherwise awakening acid line, leaves a moreish closing. This is an attractive off-dry Reisling that shows a sense of place with vibrant citrusy elements and a chalky mineral palate. Match with clams in XO sauce and crispy-skinned blue cod over the next 8-10 years. Fruit sourced from Grant's Road, Waitaki Valley, fermented in stainless steel tank to 10% alc, 22.5 g/l RS. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) May 2021 RRP $30