VALLI is the personal vocation of pioneering winemaker Grant Taylor. Grant’s name is synonymous with Otago Pinot Noir. He has been crafting wines there since 1993 when there were only 20 ha planted – today there are over 2000. Grant founded VALLI in 1998 with the intention to produce single vineyard Pinot Noirs highlighting the different characteristics of Otago’s sub regions. More than 20 years later, VALLI is doing just that, producing single-vineyard pinot noirs from Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Bendigo in Central Otago and the Waitaki Valley in North Otago, as well as a dry Pinot Gris from Gibbston and a Riesling from Waitaki. 

Complex and seductive bouquet with scents of fallen leaves and dried wild herbs, roses and cherries, mineral and spiced with oak and a savoury quality. Even better on the palate - texture and barrel spices, a gentle savoury herb quality, some vanilla nd dusty clove spices and a leesy nutty quality. Complex and lengthy. Chalky textured tannins and medium+ acidity set the foundation while layers of red berries and wild flowers layer in breadth and depth. Delicious, complex and ready to enjoy from 2023 through 2030+. Date: June 2022; Rating: 96 Points; Cameron Douglas MS

A pretty nose of red cherries, spiced strawberries, hibiscus tea and crushed thyme. Medium-bodied with silky, structured tannins. Juicy. Lots of attractive red fruit and floral notes bending onto the palate. Nutmeg and sweet paprika, too. Mushroom complexity comes at the finish. Nicely composed. Drink or hold.
Date: Nov 2022; Rating: 94 Points; James Suckling