Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir 2022

Accolades:
95/100 – Cameron Douglas MS
95/100 – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
94/100 – Bob Campbell MW
94/100 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
92/100 – James Suckling
4.5 stars – Michael Cooper

“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.” – Cameron Douglas MS

“Relatively light pinot noir that’s not lacking in power. Supple, savoury wine with cherry, raspberry, violet, fresh herbs and spicy oak flavours. On the greener side of the flavour spectrum but has good energy and impressive length.” – Bob Campbell MW

“A delicate pinot with floral, orange blossom and ripe strawberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Linear and juicy. Drink now.” – James Suckling

“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.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“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.” – Candice Chow

Tasting Note: “A translucent garnet hue with aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate and pomelo laced with wild thyme, cedar, and gunflint. This unique bouquet is followed on the palate with cardamom, allspice, damson plum, strawberry, and tart cherry. The wine is lithe and agile with fine tannins and incredible persistence, finishing with distinctive salinity. Intense fragrance, unique savoury undertones, and electric energy are the hallmarks of Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir and the 2022 vintage delivers this in a balletic way.  Mesmerising at release, this wine will continue to develop for at least 15+ years.” – Jen Parr

Winemaking Notes: Harvested on 20th and 30th April 2022. 5% whole bunch fruit, aged in 30% new oak for 11 months. Unfined, unfiltered. 1,158 dozen total production.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Waitaki Valley, North Otago, New Zealand