New Zealand Wine Adventure, Tour 2 Day 9

Despite the fact it had tipped down all night, the morning was bright and a bit fresh. Fresh snow adorned the mountain tops and we headed over to Valli wines.

Grant Taylor is very highly regarded in the region and is renowned for his top class Pinot Noir. An early pioneer in Central Otago, Grant has vineyards in Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn, Bendigo and Waitaki – all key areas of production producing very different styles. Gibbston is much cooler than Bannockburn, Waitaki has limestone soil, Bendigo is by Lake Dunstan.

Valli Grant Taylor Tour 2We tasted four vintages from the four regions from 2013 vintage as well as some 2014’s from barrel. This really locked in the terroir differences and reflected the amazing contrast in style that Otago Pinot Noir can produce.

Mt Difficulty Tour 2Off for lunch and Mount Difficulty served up some wonderful platters with a bewildering array of cheeses, meats, fish, dips, bread and nuts. All preceded by a great tasting of their range.

Mount Difficulty is very highly regarded estate with a wide mix of varietals planted and specialising, as you might expect, in Pinot Noir.

Arum Tour 2We finished our final day at the delightful Aurum winery. Lucy, the winemaker, took us through the range including Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionelle made from Pinot Gris, Pinot Noirs and an amazing fortified sweet Pinot Gris.