Pinot Noir

6 x 75cl * Vegan * Organic * Biodynamic * 14.0% ABV * Central Otago, New Zealand

Situated slap-bang in the “vinous sweet spot” of Bannockburn in the worlds most southerly winemaking region, Felton Roads story began with meticulous site selection and vineyard design by Stewart Elms in 1991. Nigel Greening, a self-described Pinot Noir addict from Devon, sold his British film production company to plant the Cornish Point Vineyard then purchased Felton Road from Elms in 2000.

Nigel kept the team in placeand together with winemaker Blair Walter andviticulturalist Gareth King, the team promptly embarked on full estate conversion to organic in 2002 and then to biodynamic farming, gaining a Demeter certification for all its vineyards in 2010. They believethat growth by its own definition is unsustainable and early on Nigel decided that Felton Road would never grow beyond 400 barrels (150,000 bottles). The entire estate totals just 34 hectares across four vineyards, however within this area there are multiple pockets of microclimates and 10 different soil types alone along the 3km length of Felton Road.To preserve the wine’s expression of its terroir, the entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible, working with natureusing organic treatments, manure and plant cover crops to ensure natural bio-diversity in the vineyards. Low yields are achieved through hand pruning and all picking takes place by hand. In the cellars Burgundian barrels are used for the oak-aged wines and bottling takes place without fining or filtration. A gentle, minimal intervention approach to winemaking is assisted by a three-level gravity-flow winery alongside wild yeast and natural malolactic fermentation.

The vivacious fruit and spices are present as always, but are perhaps lighter in tone and more exotic. The palate has a savoury tone, which sits surprisingly well with the usual Cornish Point indulgences: luxurious fruit and exotic woods like Sandalwood, even Lebanon Cedar. The tannins are beautifully balanced and integrated, ever present, but never interfering; just contributing to the overall stature.

Drinking Window: 2024 – 2037