Overview
Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir comes from Bannockburn in Central Otago and is one of the estate's distinctive single-block Pinot Noirs. The 2020 vintage combines concentrated fruit, fine but substantial tannins and aromatic complexity, with the estate's organic and biodynamic viticulture and restrained winemaking focused on preserving vineyard expression.
Vineyard
Felton Road's vineyards have been managed organically and biodynamically since 2002, with all four vineyards certified by Demeter from 2010 and also certified by BioGro. The 2020 growing season was cooler and wetter than usual, resulting in smaller berries and low bunch weights. Cooler conditions and extended ripening produced concentrated fruit with vibrant acidity.
Winemaking
The fruit was gently destemmed directly into open-top fermenters without pumping, with approximately 25% retained as whole clusters. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeast, followed by a moderately long maceration on skins. The wine was not fined or filtered and was matured for 14 months in French oak barrels from highly regarded Burgundian coopers.
Producer Tasting Notes
Felton Road: “The nose contains all the characteristic array of complex aromatic notes we have come to expect from Block 3: exotic spice, dried herb, leather and deep, dark fruit. The first sip is captivating: how can a wine with such power and concentration be so enthralling yet ethereal? Further study is definitely required. It's about balance and harmony, finesse and detail. The tannins are copious and muscular, but their chocolate coating tempers the decadence of the fruit.”
Critic Reviews
97 Points — Bob Campbell: “Refined, dense pinot noir with floral, violet, dark cherry and berry, spice and cedar wood flavours that are restrained by plum, ripe tannins. A very classy Felton Road pinot noir that clearly shows plenty of cellaring potential. It has a seductively lengthy finish.”
Tasted 19 August 2021
96 Points — Falstaff: “A distinctly aromatic note of elderberry and tart, crushed mulberry hovers above the red-fruited nose. The palate carries the same intensity of tart, snappy fruit which then starts melting into exquisitely velvety depth. There are dense but ripe tannins that feel like a caress, but it is the aromatic purity, elegance and liftedness that stands out above all. This is the new Central Otago.”
Tasted November 2021
95 Points — Robert Parker The Wine Advocate.
Tasted June 2025
95 Points — Jean-Marc Quarin.
Tasted January 2023
Specifications
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Vintage: 2020
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Producer: Felton Road
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Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
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Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand
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Alcohol: 14%
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Sweetness: Dry
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Viticulture: Certified organic and biodynamic
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Fermentation: Indigenous yeast in open-top fermenters, approximately 25% whole clusters
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Maturation: 14 months in French oak barrels
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Production: Not fined or filtered
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Drinking Window: 2022–2050
