Valli Waitaki Vineyard Chardonnay
We never intended to send this wine to media for formal review - there wasn't enough of it to warrant the exercise. However, Grant and Jen were so excited about it that they wanted to share it with their friend New Zealand Wine Writer Raymond Chan when he came to visit the winery one day back in 2017. Raymond, unbeknownst to us, published a 20/20 point review of the wine - before we'd even released it! The wine sold out before we could so much as get it on the website, and we've been struggling to keep up with the demand ever since. For this reason, it does not get sent for formal review.
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
“The 2020 harvest was “classic” in the Waitaki in terms of the timing of harvest, the low volume and high quality of the fruit. The limestone-rich soils influence both the shape and the flow of this wine with lovely tension across the mid palate and racy acidity extending the finish. The nose has stone fruit, citrus and a lovely savoury note that is derived from the high solids fermentation. The wine is a juxtaposition of intensity and subtlety with a real limey fruit purity at the core. Made in tiny quantities, this young wine is immediately enjoyable and will continue to reward for another decade.” Jen Parr
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
"The 2019 growing season was cool in nature, particularly at flowering, resulting in a small fruit set and a “normal” Waitaki harvest in late April / early May. The limestone-rich soils influence both the shape and the flow of this wine with its mouth-filling texture underlined by candid acidity. The nose has both tropical and citrus aromas with hints of zest and vanilla. The intense palate builds in the mouth with a silky/citrus character that is wonderfully salivating. Made in tiny quantities, this young wine is immediately enjoyable and will continue to reward for many years." Jen Parr
Valli Waitaki Chardonnay 2018
“The 2018 growing season was unusually warm and settled in the Waitaki resulting in a very early harvest. This wine is more textural and tropical than the previous vintages, yet it retains that classic “limey” acidity that we see in all our Waitaki wines. It has aromas of lemon curd, lime, pineapple, and baked biscuits with a hint of nutmeg. On the palate there is a beautiful balance of texture from fermentation on full solids with lees stirring that is complemented by great length derived from the limestone-centric soils. Made in tiny quantities, this is a young wine that unfolds in the glass and will continue to develop elegantly.”
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
“Aromas of lemon zest, stone fruit cobbler, flint, and a hint of nutmeg. The palate is beautifully balanced with rich texture that comes from lees stirring and great length coming from the wonderful limestone-centric soils of the Waitaki. It is concentrated and finely detailed; full of character with youthful vibrancy. Chardonnay in the Waitaki is rare but worth seeking out. Made in minuscule quantities, this wine is a treasure to enjoy now but will continue to delight for years to come.”
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Chardonnay 2015
"Aromas of lemon zest, baked biscuits, flint and a hint of nutmeg reminiscent of old world Chardonnay. On the palate there is a beautiful balance of texture from the lees stirring and length from the wonderful limestone-centric soils of the Waitaki. Concentrated yet refined; full of character yet showing youthful shyness; This Chardonnay highlights the potential in Waitaki for producing world class wines. Made in tiny quantities, this wine is a treasure to enjoy now and also worthy of burying away in the treasure chest for handsome reward in years to come."