Valli Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023

Accolades:
95/100 – Cameron Douglas MS
94/100 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
94/100 – Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review
93/100 – James Suckling

“The 2023 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir is vibrant, lithe, spicy, saturated with red fruit flavor and persistent through the finish. In the mouth, the tannins are chalky, fine and pliable, and they serve to shape the fruit as it flows across the palate. The acidity contributes a little race and pace to the palate, but it all works in concert. This is a delicious wine of personality and elegance but, most importantly, of place.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Ripe and toasty with houjicha aromas adding dimension to the black fruit. The flavours continue apace on the powerful, sinewy and structured palate, framed by ripe, grippy tannins and an earthy, chocolaty finish. Very drying as the tannins build on the back. A winemaker’s style of wine which needs some time to come together.” – Stephen Wong MW

“Aromas of flowers, beans, brine and black cherries follow through to a medium body with fine and integrated tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. This needs some bottle age or at least air before serving. Best from 2026.” – James Suckling

Tasting Note: “Bright garnet hue with a lifted fragrance of blackberry, blueberry and dark cherry laced with wild thyme, evergreen, lily and sweet jasmine. The palate is buoyant and luxuriously fruited with dried herb spice and a delightful tangy finish. The tannins are generous yet fine, flowing in harmony with the fresh acidity. Layered and inviting at release, this wine is apt for cellaring and will continue to evolve for 20+/- years.” – Jen Parr

Winemaking Notes: Harvested on 23rd & 30th March, 4th, 6th & 14th April 2023. 35% whole bunch fruit, fermented in 27% new oak for 11 months. Unfined, Crossflow filtered. 1,700 dozen total production.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand