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2020 Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir

Felton Road winery is situated in Central Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island, and owned by Nigel Greening, Notably, one of the most iconic wineries in all of New Zealand. These grapes, planted in 1992, are sourced from one the coolest wine growing regions within Central Otago. Winemaker Blair Walter has been at this biodynamic property since 1996 . The Block 3 and 5 Pinot Noirs are some of the most sought after parcels. What placed Felton Road Wineryon the map is the review of the1997 Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir. According to Robert Park Jr. , “Felton Road’s Pinot Noirs are breakthrough efforts in New Zealand and compete with the finest wines being made in California, Oregon and Burgundy’s Cote D’Or.”

The Bannockburn Pinot Noir is a blend of four estate vineyards including the Cornish Point. The 2020 Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir is deeply garnet and appears more saturated than the Cornish Point. It has a subtle bouquet of field flowers, peonies and rosemary. The extroverted personality of this wine reveals a framework of briary blue and black fruits, tilled soil, crushed rocks and exotic spices. This wine is all about a deeply complex mid-palate and a lengthy finish that persists for minutes. Both of the Felton Road Pinot Noirs are impressive achievements and rank among the finest in the overall grouping. Congrats to Blair Walter and his team.

By W Peter Hoyne


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