2022 Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir

"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.

"Light ruby-red, youthful, even colour throughout. This has an enticing, elegant bouquet with deep floral, sweet herbs and spices, underlying ripe red cherry, strawberry, and an earthy undertone. Medium-light bodied, aromas of red cherry intermixed raspberry, black cherry, floral, thyme, charred wood, cinnamon and allspice, underlying an earthy, savoury undertone. 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. This Waitaki Pinot Noir possesses enticing red fruit and delicate aromas, expressed on a chalky palate stamped Waitaki. Match with quail and duck over the next 10+ years. Fruit from Grant's Road, fermented with 5% whole bunch to 12.5% alc, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 30% new oak. 19/20 pts (95 pts) Nov 2023 RRP $95 ." Drink 2023 - 2033+

"The 2022 Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir is light and fine, both in the glass and aromatically. On the palate, the wine is so fine and littered with crushed shells, river stones and cherry skin. This is fragrant and lithe, pretty and detailed. It is all of these things, but it is not short. It spools through the long finish, like a fishing rod reel in cast. As there will be no 2023 Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir, make hay while the sun shines, I say. A beauty. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." Drink 2023 - 2036