2014 Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir, Central Otago

19/20 Raymond Chan

Even, dark ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim. This has a very fine and intensely concentrated, tightly bound nose of fragrant and aromatically piquant dark raspberry and cherry fruit lifted by black and dark-red florals and entwined with dark thyme herb and whole bunch stalk complexities, and nuances of black minerals. Medium-full bodied, the flavours of savoury dark raspberry fruit are interwoven with dark thyme herbs, dark red and violet florals and savoury whole bunch elements. The fruit is tightly bound, concentrated and penetrating, and supported by very fine-grained tannin extraction. The mouthfeel is fresh and lively with acid vitality, and the wine flows with excellent energy and tension. Complexing oak char, and minerally reductive suggestions emerge and carry to a very long, sustained, fine-textured, sweet finish. This is a very intense and concentrated Pinot Noir with aromatic dark raspberry fruit with fine, dark herb and mineral nuances, refined structure and a mouthwatering, vibrant palate. Match with pork and venison, and Mediterranean fare over the next 6-7+ years.