Nicola Greening recently presented the 2023 selections from Felton Road, a prominent winery in Central Otago, New Zealand. This vintage faced challenges due to heat, but was effectively moderated by timely rainfall and cooler weather just before the March harvest. The winery hadn’t experienced a truly hot vintage since 2018, leading to concerns prior to the rain.
The wines from this year showed promising results, notably the Block 3 Pinot Noir, which stood out during the tasting.
Tasting Notes:
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Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023: Exhibits charming aromatics with sweet red cherries and plums, complemented by a spicy finish. The palate is rich with meat-like cherry and raspberry traits, and it concludes with a zesty spiciness. Rating: 94/100
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Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2023: Features a core of sweet, ripe fruit with raspberry and sour cherry notes. This wine blends immediate pleasure with potential for evolution. Rating: 94/100
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Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2023: This elegant wine shows sweet cherry and raspberry fruit, a tangy sour cherry finish, and floral hints—ideal for early consumption. Rating: 95/100
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Felton Road MacMuir Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023: Boasts freshness and precision with savory undertones. The wine’s substantial tannins and structure suggest it is suitable for aging. Rating: 95/100
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Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2023: A complete expression of Pinot Noir with ripe fruit and balanced acidity, creating a multidimensional profile. Rating: 96/100
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Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2023: Concentrated with alluring floral and savory notes, and a firm structure that promises interesting aging potential. Rating: 96/100
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Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay 2023: Fresh with subtle pear and peach notes, balanced by a hint of restrained oak. Rating: 92/100
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Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2023: Rich and tangy, with a lovely mineral twist. Rating: 94/100
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Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2023: Bold flavors with good acidity and spicy complexity make this a striking wine. Rating: 94/100
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Felton Road Dry Riesling 2023: A refined expression featuring bold citrus flavors and good structure. Rating: 92/100
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Felton Road Bannockburn Riesling 2023: Off-dry with a concentrated profile and a fine mineral finish. Rating: 94/100
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Felton Road Block 1 Riesling 2023: Concentrated and long-lasting, this off-dry wine shows depth with pear and peach notes. Rating: 94/100
For further details on Felton Road, check out the retrospective and visit reports linked below: