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.
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2005 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot NoirColour: Violet with youthful dark purple tinge. Wine Spectator Reviews 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. |
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2004 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot NoirColour: Deep Violet |


