From the pioneering Valli Wines, the 2022 Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir hails from North Otago, one of New Zealand’s coolest and most distinctive winegrowing regions. Here, limestone-rich soils and a marginal climate lend Pinot Noir a particularly fragrant, mineral-driven character, producing wines of elegance and precision rather than sheer weight.

The 2022 opens with wild strawberry, red cherry and pomegranate, complemented by violet, wild thyme, cedar and a subtle thread of smoky spice. On the palate, it is beautifully fine and lifted, with layers of tart cherry, blood plum, and savoury earthy character underscored by a distinctive chalky minerality. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide excellent structure, carrying the wine through a long, saline finish. There is a compelling interplay between delicate red fruit, savoury complexity and crystalline freshness, giving the wine both immediate charm and considerable ageing potential. A wonderfully restrained and site-driven expression of New Zealand Pinot Noir, showcasing the distinctive character of the Waitaki Valley.