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. 

Bright, vibrant, silken-textured, high energy wine wine with red cherry, violet, wet stone/mineral and mixed spice flavours plus many other subtle nuances that are hard to define. Impressive purity and complexity. Refreshing wine with serious cellaring potential. Drink 2022–2035. Date: June 2022; Rating: 96 Points; Bob Campbell MW

Seductive, complex and enticing aromas of rose and cherry, falling autumn leaves, a fine dried herb quality, a mix of red apple skin and tart raspberry flesh. The core of this is the minerality with a fine chalky stone quality. Oak scents are calm yet distinctive. Delicious on the palate with a fine textured mouthfeel capturing the fruit and mineral qualities from the bouquet. Perfectly balanced with the structure displaying the fruit, earth and oak qualities with precision. Charming, complex and lengthy with best drinking from 2023 through 2030. Date: June 2022; Rating: 96 Points; Cameron Douglas MS