Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2022
Felton Road wines is located in Bannockburn, Central Otago in New Zealand, the most southerly wine growing region in the World. Here, vineyards are nestled into small macroclimates totally surrounded by high mountains, many of which are snowcapped all year round. Though the location is on the edge of sustainable viticulture these macroclimates consistently combine hot days, cool nights and long dry autumns: perfect for the creation of fine Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. The latitude of 45 degrees south is similar to the Willamette Valley in Oregon and some of the finest wine regions of France. Central Otago is New Zealand's only wine region with a continental climate rather than a maritime one. This brings the risk of frosts but has the benefit of low rainfall and high sunshine hours. Of the five distinct macroclimates so far identified in Central Otago, Bannockburn, with its gentle north facing slopes and deep loess soils seems well suited to the production of complex Pinot Noir.
Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. A strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (BioGro and Demeter certified) ensuring their fruit arrives at the winery as pure as it can be, while their entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible. A commitment to hands off winemaking: gravity flow, wild yeasts, wild malo, an avoidance of fining and filtration all help preserve the wine's expression of its terroir.
Felton Road farms four properties totalling 34 ha in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. Block 3 is situated on a gentle north facing slope in the heart of The Elms vineyard where a deep bench of silt soil is interspersed with calcareous seams.
The complete epitome of this iconic wine. Dark fruits, crushed herbs, silky but palpable texture, weightless power, chocolate tannins with wafts of smoky mocha, followed by the length that defines its reputation. When a wine is this true to its hallmarks, one is left with very little to say.
Concentrated, powerful pinot noir with a medley of dark, strong cherry/berry fruits that almost mask a subtler suggestion of floral and fresh herb characters. A moderately assertive backbone of fine, peppery oak and fruit tannins suggests good cellaring potential although the wine is certainly accessible now. - Bob Campbell, The Real Review, 97 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - New Zealand
Region - Central Otago
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
Other - Organic & Biodynamic
Closure - Screw Cap