Awards, Ratings & Reviews
95/100 — Cameron Douglas MS · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Oct 2022
“Purity and finesse, core varietal scents of dark cherry, violet and gun-flint, there's a quiet smokiness from the barrel along with a five spice quality then a distinctive mineral and earth quality adding complexity and sense of place. A light dried herb and savoury quality reflect the rugged background these vineyards sites are exposed to. Perfect on the palate with a new youthful mouthfeel with textures from tannins and fruit, a fine savoury mineral quality and youthful energy. Chalky tannins and acidity .set the framework for fruit and barrel flavours. There's a completeness about this wine with a heart of pinosity and charm. Excellent drinking early if you must, but will also age and be equally delicious from 2025 through 2035.”
94/100 — The Wine Front · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Aug 2022
92/100 — CellarTracker · 2021 Vintage
About This Wine
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir is sourced from four Bannockburn vineyards and is labelled Bannockburn Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from Cornish Point, Calvert and The Elms vineyards.
Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road follows a strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture. The vineyards are Demeter certified and the estate operates with a commitment to sustainability.
The winery follows a hands-off winemaking philosophy using gravity flow, wild yeasts, wild malolactic fermentation and an avoidance of fining and filtration to preserve expression of terroir. No additions or adjustments are performed unless absolutely necessary.
Since 2002 the vineyards have been managed organically and biodynamically. In 2010 all four vineyards were awarded full Demeter certification and in 2020 were also certified by BioGro.
The 2021 growing season followed a moderate winter with normal rainfall. Budburst occurred in late September and flowering in early December. Significant rainfall during January resulted in generally larger berries, while warmer and drier conditions through February and the lead-up to harvest enabled the fruit to ripen successfully.
Producer Notes
Nose
A classic Felton Road nose of dark blossoms: rose and violet with a compote of dark fruits.
Palate
The mid-palate is just screaming Felton Road. Black cherries and cream on the nose introduced cherry crumble on the palate with baked spices. Very harmonious for a wine so young, but a brooding undertow reveals the intrinsic power of the wine. Four Bannockburn vineyards seamlessly integrating to provide many layers and textures.
Specifications
- Vintage: 2021
- Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
- Region: Bannockburn / Central Otago / New Zealand
- Winemaking: Traditional fermentation with indigenous yeast and malolactic fermentation; 20% whole clusters; not fined or filtered
- Maturation: Oaked
- Production Attributes: Unfiltered · Unfined
- Vineyard / Geo Info: Grapes sourced from Cornish Point, Calvert and The Elms vineyards
- Alcohol: 14%
- Sweetness: Dry
- Vineyard Manager / Viticulturist: Gareth King
- Winemaker: Blair Walter
- Ownership: Nigel Greening
- Closure: Screwcap
- Drinking Window: 2022–2038
