Sweeter smelling than either the Gibbston or Waitaki bottlings—think scents of caramelized brown sugar backed by ripe black cherries—the 2019 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir is a round, velvety example of Pinot. Medium to full-bodied, with ample concentration, richly textural tannins and a long, plush finish, it's already approachable and should drink well for at least another 5-7 years.

Bright and fresh, offering a lively mix of wild strawberry, cranberry and maraschino cherry flavors, with accents of black tea, thyme, clove and white pepper. Shows tremendous harmony on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2030. 723 cases made, 52 cases imported.??–MW??Region: New Zealand / Central Otago Select to Add

The 2018 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir features slightly chunkier fruit than found in Valli's bottlings from cooler regions (Waitaki, Gibbston). That may actually appeal more to consumers looking for a slightly bigger, richer style of Pinot Noir. Black cherries and notes of baking spices are framed by ripe tannins and crisp acids, and there's just a suggestion of cedary oak (it was aged in 30% new French pièces). It's smooth and supple on the finish, making it approachable now, yet it should age well for a decade or so.

The fruit-driven 2016 Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir positively bursts with notes of red raspberries, strawberries and ripe cherries. There's just enough spice and herbal complexity on the finish of this silky, medium to full-bodied wine to keep things interesting now, but it should be even more complex in a year or two. It has the fruit to carry it through the next five years or more.