Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir

After years of tasting (and drinking!) these wines, we’re delighted to finally get a small allocation – available online only. Felton Road have been setting the standard for New Zealand Pinot Noir since the 1990s. They farms four properties totaling 32 ha in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. This wine is a blend from their four vineyards; Cornish Point, Calvert, MacMuir and The Elms. Shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf plucking, bunch thinning and harvest are all carried out by hand to ensure optimum quality fruit. Cover crops are planted between rows to assist in vine balance and to improve soil health and general biodiversity.

The immediate potpourri of flowers on the nose is gracefully entwined with subtle minerality. The palate begins precise and playful, showing sandalwood and fine spice notes. A surprising breadth that the tight focus doesn’t immediately reveal. Balanced and complete: possessing lovely charm, harmony and a persistent finale. Irresistible in its youth but further complexities will no doubt emerge.