Minor Label Damage/Stains.
Overview
The 2000 Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir is a rare mature single-block Pinot Noir from Bannockburn, Central Otago. Block 3 is one of Felton Road's most celebrated sites, and this early vintage captures the estate's distinctive combination of ripe fruit, whole-cluster complexity, indigenous fermentation and Burgundian-inspired restraint.
Produced from 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir, the wine reflects Felton Road's uncompromising vineyard and cellar philosophy: gravity flow handling, wild yeasts, wild malolactic fermentation, no fining and no filtration.
Vintage & Winemaking
The 2000 vintage benefited from an extended ripening period, allowing the small parcel of vines in Block 3 to develop exotic aromatics and concentrated flavour. High maturity levels and low yields resulted in an intense, ripe and brooding Pinot Noir.
Grapes were gently destemmed by gravity directly into open-top fermenters, with approximately 25% whole clusters included. The wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts, given moderately long maceration on skins, then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels from respected Burgundian coopers. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Product Highlights
- Rare mature Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir.
- Single-block Bannockburn Pinot Noir from Central Otago.
- Certified biodynamic and certified organic estate.
- 92 points from Tom Cannavan.
- Approximately 25% whole clusters.
- Indigenous yeast fermentation.
- Unfined and unfiltered.
- Aged 14 months in French oak barrels.
Critic Scores & Reviews
- 92 points - Tom Cannavan: "Juicy too, and a beautifully focused and long finish."
Tasting Notes
Aromas of ripe cherries, complex spice and dried herbs are layered with integrated toasty, smoky oak. The palate shows concentrated dark cherry fruit, chocolate-like silky tannins and mature savoury detail, finishing long, focused and brooding.
Food Pairing
Pair with lamb samosa, duck with pineapple, Peking duck, sweet and sour pork, roast duck or game birds.
Cellaring Potential
This is a mature old-vintage Pinot Noir. It should be approached as a drink-now bottle, with condition and provenance important.
About Felton Road
Felton Road is one of Central Otago's benchmark producers, based in Bannockburn. The estate follows a strict 100% estate-grown policy and is farmed organically and biodynamically, with Demeter certification and BioGro certification across its vineyards. In the winery, gravity flow, indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention are used to preserve vineyard expression.
Specifications
- Producer: Felton Road
- Wine: Block 3 Pinot Noir
- Vintage: 2000
- Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago
- Country: New Zealand
- Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
- Alcohol: 13.5-14%
- Sweetness: Dry
- Oak: French oak
- Ageing: 14 months
- Whole Cluster: Approximately 25%
- Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic estate
- Bottle Size: 750ml
