Deep garnet hue with a fascinating array of aromas from mineral and floral to earthy/animal and baking spice/wild thyme. The fruit shines through on the palate with bright cherry, blackberry and mulberry complimented by a rich earthy vein. The savoury characteristics from a cool and exceptionally low cropping vintage are sensational when married with the classic Gibbston silky, fine tannins and electric acidity. VALLI is the personal vocation of pioneering winemaker Grant Taylor. Grants 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 Otagos 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. In 2015, established Otago winemaker Jen Parr joined Grant in the winery where the two aim to create wines with honesty, integrity, and most of all, a sense of place. When you drink a Valli wine, you are enjoying more than just a wine: you are experiencing a place.

JEAN-NOEL GAGNARD Cuvee L'Estimee , Chassagne-Montrachet

Made with fruit grown on 60+ year old vines, the Côte de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes is a light, bright Pinot with aromas of light spice, pot pourri and red berries. Grapes are grown in limestone soil using biodynamic viticulture. The wine is 25-30% whole bunch, fermented with indigenous yeast with minimal added sulphur. As with all Galeyrand wines, this example is certified organic. It is aged in oak barrels, a maximum of 20% new.

A seductive and enticing Pinot Noir that delivers an intriguing aroma of sun ripened red fruits, earl grey tea and an underlying character of autumnal leaves and wet stones. The palate is both youthful and vibrant, with an elegance and richness that is becoming the hallmark of our vineyard. The red berry fruit flavours combine with wild thyme and rich savoury notes, and are supported by the beautifully poised tannins that give depth to the long mouth-watering finish. This wine by Burn Cottage Vineyard needs a few years to marry all of its elements. Cellaring for up to 8-10 years.