Valli Wines

Current Vintages

2005

It is time to release the 2005's (what little of it there is). Bad weather in December reduced the flower set, consequently the harvest was down by 70%, resulting in wines of great concentration and very happy winemakers. Valli produced only 250 cases from each vineyard in 2005.

2004

I did not write a newsletter last year because there was even less wine to offer. Only the Bannockburn vineyard made it to bottle. 2004 was a very cool vintage with spring frosts, not seen in twenty years of Otago grape growing. The fruit from Gibbston was not up to the desired quality, and would not have shown the region in good light; as a result the grapes were sold. Valli is not about second labels and second quality wine. Bannockburn, being a warmer area, performed much better but crop levels were still down about 75%. The wine was produced in small volumes and kept for release with the 2005's.

The Wines

I am always a little reluctant to write tasting notes because wines do change over time but this will give you an indication of what they look like at the moment.

2005 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir

Colour: Violet with youthful dark purple tinge.
Nose: Ripe black berry / perfumed wild raspberry fruit with dark chocolate and mocha woven through it.
Mouth: Intensely concentrated and sweet textured with great length of dark berry flavours on the palate. Well integrated acidity provides the structure for this wine, keeping it bright and vibrant while adding to the persistence of flavours. Because of its fine tannin structure, this relatively youthful Pinot Noir is very drinkable at an early age.

Wine Spectator Reviews
91 Points - Valli Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005

Ripe and intense, with delicious blackberry, black plum and spice flavors. Plenty of cedary oak, fresh herb notes and minerality linger, with a tangy solid structure. Drink now through 2011.

2004 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir

Colour: Deep Violet
Nose: Bright black cherry / plum fruit with dark chocolate and spice notes in the background.
Mouth: Beautiful rich concentrated silky textured fruit on the palate. Supported and balanced by the subtle acidity which gives the wine great length of flavour and persistence. Because of the nature of the vintage, the 2004 Bannockburn, has the most powerful tannin structure, and of all three wines, would offer the greatest reward for long term cellaring.