Valli Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2022

Accolades:
97/100 – Bob Campbell MW
97/100 – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
95/100 – Cameron Douglas MS
93+/100 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
91/100 – James Suckling
5 stars – Michael Cooper

“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.” – Bob Campbell MW

“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.” – Cameron Douglas MS

“The pure fruit really pops out, with fresh sliced strawberries and citrus. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and linear tannins. It’s really about the tension and crisp citrus nature to this.” – James Suckling

“On the nose, this 2022 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir is savory and spicy. There is clove and sumac, pastrami and raspberry pip, with black tea, tobacco and brine. This is a lovely wine. There’s loads of freshness and density and yet capaciousness. It has an “open-throated” finish, loose-weave without being slack. 2022 was the 25th anniversary of Valli, and Grant says, “We really picked the eyes out for our 25th anniversary year.”” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Bright, ruby-red with good transparency, slightly lighter on the rim. It has a broody, alluring bouquet penetrating with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum, wild thyme, sage mushroom and a hint of game. Medium-bodied, lightly savoury aromas of black cherry and blackberry melded with cinnamon, nutmeg, wild thyme, sage, brown oyster mushroom and a subtle hint of game. Filigree tannin lightly frames the ripe fruit, herbs, and savoury elements, unveiling spice and integrating enlivening acidity to an enticing, lengthy finish. A James Bond of Pinot Noir, smooth and polished.” – Candice Chow

Tasting Note: “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

Winemaking Notes: Harvested on 31st March, 4th, 7th-10th and 13th April 2022. 32% whole bunch fruit, fermented in 29% new oak for 11 months. Unfined, Crossflow filtered. 1,763 dozen total production.

Alcohol: 14.0%

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand