The nose starts with typical Felton Road cues: dark roses and violets, ethereal, dancing and transparent. On the palate the first note is savoury: lovely fruits are there, but not even a ghost of New World sweetness.

The tannins are firm enough to denote seriousness, but without harshness. Attractive and subtle herbal tones also play a part adding freshness and intrigue. A classic rendition from Felton Road's four Bannockburn vineyards.

The Felton Road vineyard estate is located in Central Otago in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island. It was purchased in 2000 by Englishman Nigel Greening, a self-confessed Pinot Noir addict! It has been farmed organically and biodynamically ever since with most materials and resources for the winery sourced and harvested on site. Chief winemaker Blair Walter is highly respected and often hosts parties of Burgundian winemakers keen to learn from his wide ranging experience, not only at Felton road but from making wine in Oregon and Burgundy.

"Perfumed aromas of wild strawberries, red raspberries, blood oranges and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and precise acidity, giving notes of blackberries, potpourri, wet bark, dark cherries and graphite. Finely balanced and refined. Made from a blend of all four estate vineyards. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
95 points. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (January 2025)