Description
Valli Pinot Noir Gibbston Vineyards is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noirs — a wine of extraordinary elegance, precision, and depth from the high-altitude Gibbston sub-region of Central Otago. Rated 98 points by both Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) and Candice Chow (Raymond Chan Wine Reviews), named #1 NZ Pinot Noir by Erin Larkin at The Wine Advocate, and selected as one of the 50 Best Bottles from NZ Wineries by the NZ Herald, this is a benchmark expression of what Gibbston Pinot Noir can achieve at its very finest.
Why You’ll Love It
Valli is the project of Grant Taylor, one of Central Otago’s most respected winemakers, whose singular focus is on expressing the distinct character of individual vineyard sites across the region. Gibbston is the coolest and highest of Central Otago’s sub-regions — an alpine valley where the combination of schist soils, extreme diurnal temperature variation, and a short, intense growing season produces Pinot Noir of remarkable finesse, perfume, and longevity. This is a wine built to age for 20+ years, yet utterly compelling on release.
Vineyard & Production
Sourced from Valli’s Gibbston Vineyards in Central Otago, New Zealand’s southernmost and highest wine region. The extreme alpine environment — cool nights, warm days, and schist-rich soils — imparts the fine tannins, exquisite perfume, and concentrated fruit that define the Gibbston style. Crafted with minimal intervention to let the vineyard speak.
Tasting Notes
Bright garnet in colour. Savoury and spiced on the nose — wild thyme, rosemary, fennel, and mushroom, complemented by dark cherry, ripe strawberry, and dried rose petals. The elegantly structured palate is layered and compact, with a purposeful flow — much like an alpine river in springtime. Fine tannins, exquisite perfume, and a finish of remarkable length and complexity. “Concentrated and delicious at release, this wine will continue to provide enjoyment for 20+/- years.” — Jen Parr, Valli Winemaker.
Awards & Press
98/100 — Sam Kim, Wine Orbit. 98/100 — Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews. 96/100, #1 NZ Pinot Noir — Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate. 96/100 — Jane Skilton MW, Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy. 95/100 — Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review. 95/100 — Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous. 94/100 — James Suckling. Category Winner, Best for Pinot Lovers & Top 50 NZ Bottles — Dr Jo Burzynska, Viva NZ Wine Awards, NZ Herald.
Perfect Pairings
A natural partner for duck breast, venison, lamb rack, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses. Also exceptional on its own, given the time and attention it deserves.
Grape Variety
Pinot Noir 100%
Reviews
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