About This Wine
Felton Road’s Block 6 Chardonnay comes from meticulously farmed, fully organic and biodynamic vineyards in Bannockburn, Central Otago. Since 2002, the estate has followed a strict estate-only, Demeter-certified approach that emphasises sustainability and purity of fruit. The 2024 release showcases the finesse of the Mendoza clone, whole-bunch pressed and vinified with indigenous yeast in the gravity-flow underground cellars.
This expression reflects Felton Road’s hallmark of precision and restraint: vibrant fruit, subtle oak integration, and a textural elegance shaped by natural malolactic fermentation and long maturation. A Chardonnay of tension, minerality and quiet power.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Lifted aromas of citrus blossom, lemon curd, white peach and fresh brioche. Subtle notes of sea spray, almond meal and light oak spice add depth and purity.
Palate
A beautifully balanced palate showing crystalline citrus, white nectarine and subtle tropical hints. Fine acidity and a taut mineral line give the wine shape and drive. The texture is creamy yet restrained, with delicate oak framing the fruit. Long, elegant finish with lingering citrus zest, saline focus and gentle smokiness.
Vineyard Notes
Block 6 forms part of Felton Road’s fully certified organic and biodynamic estate. The vineyards have been managed organically since 2002 and received full Demeter certification in 2010, with BioGro certification added in 2020.
Pruning is designed to manage moderate yields and produce an even, light-penetrable canopy. Irrigation is used sparingly, only when soil moisture levels require correction. All grapes are hand-picked, with careful block selection based on clone, rootstock and ongoing viticultural trials.
Winemaking
Mendoza clone Chardonnay was whole-bunch pressed and transferred directly to barrel without settling, using gentle gravity flow.
- Indigenous yeast fermentation
- Full natural malolactic over spring and summer
- Matured 17 months in French oak (10% new)
- No fining or filtration
This minimal-intervention approach preserves purity, texture and the vineyard’s distinct mineral signature.
Technical Details
- ABV: 13.5%
- Maturation: French oak
- Oak Use: 10% new
- Fermentation: Indigenous
- Unfined & Unfiltered
- Closure: Screwcap
- Drinking Window: 2026–2036
