Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving.

Grant Taylor is renowned as one of the pioneering winemakers of the Central Otago region. Taylor has been making wine here since 1993 when there were just 20 hectares of vines planted in the area. Over the years he has helped many of New Zealand’s top wineries create their first vintages including Felton Road, Mt Difficulty, Bald Hills and Carrick. Taylor has a special affinity for Pinot Noir which thrives in Central Otago, and his wines have won Best Pinot Noir Trophy at the International Wine Competition three times.

He founded his Valli Vineyard in 1998, taking the name from his great-great-grandfather Giuseppe Valli who came from an Italian winemaking family. Here Taylor’s philosophy is centred around crafting exceptional single vineyard wines which express the true beauty of the Pinot Noir grape.

The Waitaki vineyard is planted on limestone soils with plenty of maritime influence from the nearby coast. This helps to create an especially elegant and vibrant style of Pinot Noir with a light body, fine tannins and delicate raspberry, cherry and strawberry notes. The balance and ample freshness in this wine make it a great match for food including charcuterie, roasted duck and a variety of game dishes like wood pigeon, pheasant or partridge.