Valli Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving.

Valli is a New Zealand winery, located in the region of Otago on the country’s southern island. It was founded in 1998 by Grant Taylor, a winemaker whose name is deeply intertwined with Pinot Noir in Otago. He has been working in the region since 1993 when there were just 20 hectares planted. The name of the winery, however, is a tribute to Grant’s great-great grandfather, Giuseppe Valli, who brought the family to New Zealand, along with their winemaking tradition.

The Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir begins with a layered nose of cassis, black cherry, and forest floor, with herbaceous details, mocha, and a slight flint minerality. It was harvested from China Terrace, a sloping plot within the larger Bendigo Vineyards site that sits at almost 400 metres above sea level, on a combination of clayish loam and gravelly soil.

On the palate, you can discover a dense, mouth-filling character. The scents from the nose continue, joining stronger hints of mushroom and spice. The tannins are fine and soft, and a crisp seam of high-altitude acidity brings the wine to a long, satisfying conclusion. This Pinot Noir’s story is not quite over yet, and it can continue to age and develop for the next 15 years. Consider pairing it with roast turkey, baked mushroom, or salmon steak.