Felton Road NZ 2024 Releases

For anyone who loves quality Pinot Noir these wines from Central Otago are must have. I have had the pleasure of tasting and drinking these wines for 20 years and i am consistently wowed at their quality and precision. The estate dates back to 1991 with Elms vineyard and then 1998 when the now owner Nigel Greening purchased Cornish Point. This makes them one of the most established estates in the country. The extra vine age gives the final cuvee's a complexity and x factor that for my money puts them as and a global benchmark for Pinot Noir in the New World. Indeed, as well as being voted number 1 winery in New Zealand yet again, the Drinks business Worlds 50 most admired wine brands has them number 2 in specialist Pinot Noir producers, just behind Domaine de La Romanee-Conti in 1^st place.

Not only is the topography stunning but has incredibly fast differences, both in climate and soil structures. This makes each cuvee incredibly unique and interesting, very much akin to the differences in Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. The jewel's in the crown is the selective parcels within the Bannockburn area known as Block 3 and Block 5, special terroir and vine age that is vinified separately - the grand cru of Central Otago however the entry Bannockburn is a world class wine in it's own right.

A note on the 2024 vintage - highly successful. Otago has had a sting of very good to exceptional vintages and the 2024's continue this trend. The site definition in 2024 being particularly prominent. These are really special wines that although approachable now will age well. 

Bannockburn 

A blend from all over the estate's Bannockburn holdings. This is the signature style of the estate and the biggest cuvee. The Village cru in essence and it's a terrific standalone example of the best New Zealand can offer. Average vine age is 12 years old and full of complexity.

A potpourri of dark petals and Indian spices dominate the inviting bouquet. Dark and deep fruit on the palate is amply supported by complexing savoury and earthy notes. It’s not just fruit, there’s so much more contributing. Serious wine for the money.

Cornish Point

With the low elevation (193-202 metres) and proximity to the lake, fruit from Cornish Point is often the first pick during harvest (although some Blocks on the heavier soils pick somewhat later). The resulting wines display dense and dark fruit, with warm and inviting textures from usually softer acidities and rounded, well-formed tannins. 

Red cherry, plum and a hint of dried herbs open the nose in a delightfully fragrant manner. The aromatics deftly define the knife edge ripeness that’s critical for great Pinot Noir; dialled in with ease in the exceptional 2024 vintage. Cardamom, mace and cranberry make an appearance, followed by a finely poised mouthfeel. The silky tannins are luscious and sweet, providing backbone and length.

MacMuir

With the high-density planting, diverse range of clones and vine material and heavy silt soils, MacMuir offers a range of complex fruit characters. The low-lying vineyard (elevation 216-224 metres) is relatively sheltered and warm with excellent ripening potential. The even soil distribution minimizes variation within and across blocks ensuring consistency of fruit quality and character. The wines exhibit a decadent texture and mouthfeel with floral aromatics and ripe dark fruits. The tannins are fine and focused with a distinct minerality in a similar fashion to Calvert: not surprising considering they share the same soil type and their close proximity.

Calvert

With its low elevation (215-228 metres) and even soil distribution the grapes ripen early and very consistently at Calvert Vineyard. Normally, harvest begins earlier than The Elms Vineyard (just 1.5km west) due to its lower elevation, more sunshine (less shading from the western hills), Dijon clones and range of rootstocks. Crop loads are more naturally moderated due to the compact silt soils resulting in smaller berry and bunch size. The wines normally exhibit a firm texture and expansive mouthfeel with floral aromatics and ripe dark fruits. The tannins are fine and focused with a distinct minerality.

Block 3

From the Bannockburn parcel Elms vineyard, third block next to the wineary with vine age dating back 20+ years. Mid crimson. Deeply and enticingly rich if not yet charming. Finely spiced dark-red fruit. Dark-red fruit on the palate, already velvety in texture, the tannins running deep like the flavour. Beautifully balanced for the long term, if you can resist.

Block 5

From below 3 north facing this has a more elegant mineral led profile.  Layered with dried herbs, flowers, cranberry, goji berry, pastrami and white pepper. This is elegant and silky and quietly spoken, it flows across the palate. Really delicious.

And lastly, a little Chardonnay not to be overlooked;

Block 2 Chardonnay 

South facing and thus more tropical, buttery and fleshy in texture. A lovely lime minerality to contrast. This is for lovers of more fuller ripe style chardonnay.