2021 PINOT NOIR, Felton Road. Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand

Central Otago on the South Island is a wild and rugged area with cool winters and hot summers. In the warm season cool nights slow the ripening process, retaining freshness in the wines. Nevertheless, the style of Pinot for which the area is renowned, is generally deep and generous.

Felton Road, owned by Englishman Nigel Greening, has long been the leader in the region. Blair Walter has been the winemaker since the first vintage, 1997, and his experience really shows. The vineyards are managed bio-dynamically.

100% Pinot Noir, fermented with 20% whole bunches using only natural yeasts. Matured for 13 months in French oak, with 25% new barrels.

Ideally you would keep this 10 years, but it’s very hard to resist now!

“Earthy and interesting on the nose. Already open and sweet but with good structure. Great for current drinking, with real interest and freshness. At the moment I prefer this to Block 3.” Jancis Robinson, October 2022.

“Alluringly scented pinot noir with a heady mix of floral and cassis aromas. Intense wine with a medley of cherry/berry characters that gradually unfold as the wine sits in the glass. The seamless texture impresses as does the balance between fruit sweetness and fine-grained tannin. Deliciously approachable, but no rush. This wine just keeps getting better and better.” Bob Campbell MW.