2022 Valli Vineyards Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir

Valli is one of the benchmarks for single-site Pinot in Central Otago, and their Bendigo release always shows the wilder, more muscular side of the region. The vineyard sits on steep north-facing slopes of schist and clay, where long days and cool nights build depth and fine, firm tannin.

The 2022 season was even and measured, producing fruit with great balance and purity. Winemaker Jen Parr kept the handling gentle – wild ferment, minimal extraction and ageing in French oak – to capture the site’s natural power without overworking it.

The wine has dark cherry, plum and spice on the nose, with earthy undertones and a savoury, mineral thread running through the palate. The tannins are present but refined, giving the wine shape and drive without heaviness. It’s unmistakably Bendigo – bold, structured and built to age, yet still showing the precision and polish that define Valli’s style.