2014 Valli Bendigo Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Dark, deep, ruby-red colour with slight black and purple hues. The nose is well-proportioned with tight and densely packed aromas of black berried and dark-red berry fruit, along with notes of liquorice, savoury herb and whole bunch stalk elements, iron-earth and black minerals. The nose is reserved and brooding. Medium-full bodied, the palate is full and concentrated with powerful and deep flavours of dark-red and black berried fruits entwined with liquorice, dark herbs, earth and black mineral nuances. The fruit is encased by significant tannin structure, the textures fine and flowery. The extraction grows in prominence, lending considerable mouthfeel and presence. Integrated acidity underlines the palate, and the flavours show restraint on the long, concentrated finish which reveals iron-earth and mineral nuances. This is a powerfully concentrated, brooding, black-fruited Pinot Noir with liquorice and mineral notes, and plenty of structure and grip. Match with game meat and casseroles, and hard cheeses. It will develop over the next 7-9+ years.