Valli Gibbston Pinot Noir 2022

Accolades:
96/100 – Cameron Douglas MS
96/100 – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
95/100 – Bob Campbell MW
94+/100 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
94/100 – James Suckling
5 stars – Michael Cooper

“A complex and enticing bouquet filled with scents of ripe red stone fruits and site, layers of spice and barrel smoke. The mineral earthy quality shows a seam of crumbled schist and stone then a fine lees complexity. Delicious, taut, dry and with a core of red stone fruits and raspberry along with some black currant reflect the bouquet adding depth and complexity. Lengthy balanced and well made with best drinking from 2026 through 2036.” – Cameron Douglas MS

“Taut, elegant pinot noir with a mix of dark cherry, floral/rose petal/violet, savoury/baked earth and spicy oak flavours. From a top Gibbston vineyard. A wine with energy and age-ability.” – Bob Campbell MW

“The red cherries, plums and mushrooms come through clearly on the nose. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins that are nicely chewy and juicy at the end. There’s softness with tension here. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling

“The 2022 Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir is mineral and yet fleshy on the nose, with cherry pip and star anise, both of which pull through onto the plate. There’s cracked fennel seed, pink peppercorns, blond tobacco and finely milled white pepper to close. The fresh acidity eddies about like leaves caught in a whirlwind updraft, and it freshens all aspects of the palate. In conjunction with the tannins, this really pulls the flavor across through to the finish. Balanced, superb.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Moderately deep ruby-red, lighter on the rim. The nose is elegantly presented, with a whiff of medicinal/ herbaceous nuance, unfolding Bing cherry, strawberry, raspberry, hibiscus, vanilla and spices. Medium-bodied aromas of strawberry, cherry and raspberry intertwined with hibiscus, vanilla, and cinnamon, along with thyme, vine leaf and a suggestion of liquorice. Ripe acidity laces the palate, and dusty tannin lightly adorns and carries a captivating closing. A graceful Pinot Noir shows deep nuances and balanced spice on a refined, dusty mouthfeel.” – Candice Chow

Tasting Note: “Deep garnet hue with captivating aromas of dried herbs, tapenade, kanuka, and wet pebbles that “leap” out of the glass and are complemented by fig, morello cherry, and strawberry brûlée. The palate commences savoury with delicious dried herb and Jerusalem artichoke flowing into wild strawberry with a long, spicy finish. The wine has a silky texture with fine tannins and exquisite detail. This vintage has delivered a complexly layered Gibbston Pinot Noir that is bold yet graceful with so much intrigue creating an aura of suspense. A delight to the senses at release, this wine will continue to captivate for 15+/- years.” – Jen Parr

Winemaking Notes: Harvested on 30th & 31st March, 2nd, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th & 14th of April 2022. 25% whole bunch fruit, aged in 30% new oak for 11 months. Unfined, unfiltered. 1,912 dozen total production.

Alcohol Volume: 14.0%

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Gibbston, Central Otago, New Zealand