Description

The iconic, and true reference point Pinot Noir producer of the Central Otago region on New Zealand’s south island, we managed to secure 60 bottles of this rare wine and incredible value and it sold out instantly.  However, the importer has just blessed us with another 12 bottles.  Thank you and with pleasure.  The bottle we tried displayed gorgeously pure and intense, liquid Dentyne gum….all cherries and cinnamon spice!   If you are not already a believer that world class “Burgundian” styled wine can be produced in New Zealand, this wine should  absolutely convince you.  Highly coveted!  Very drinkable, but an age worthy collectible!   New Zealand restaurants are judged on the basis if Felton Road is represented on their wine lists.  The 2019 harvest report promises this to be one of the best vintages ever.  The 2018 Bannockburn was 96 points and #14 Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year for 2020.

“Generous and juicy wild strawberry, cranberry and spiced cherry flavors start off flashy and mouthwatering, but then settle into a harmonious spicy mix of tobacco, clove and oolong tea, with details of chicory and forrest floor that linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2034. 4,064 cases made, 168 cases imported.” – 94 points, Wine Spectator (March 10, 2021) — MW

“Felton Road Pinot Noirs are among the most exciting and celebrated wines in New Zealand. Winemaker Blair Walter is known for consistently producing distinctive, aromatic wines, and the Bannockburn cuvée—named for a subregion of Central Otago—is typically among the top-scoring bottles each vintage. This wine is a blend of four organic and biodynamic estate vineyards: Cornish Point, Calvert, MacMuir and The Elms. Walter believes in minimal intervention, including native yeast fermentation, with about 20 percent whole clusters, gravity-flow practices in the winery and bottling the wines without fining or filtering”.—MaryAnn Worobiec. Wine Spectator.

“Dark raspberry, hints of the leaves as well, with a touch of old cedar wood panelling. The palate is viscous and concentrated, displaying cane fruits that deftly integrate with an alluring savouriness. Fine, long tannins with no shortage of chew, but no harshness. This is at a level way above its Bannockburn “village” designation, being a blend of our four primely situated vineyards. A serious wine with considerable definition and poise.” – Winemaker’s notes