These wines were tasted during a new release event in London in October 2025, featuring an impressive selection from across New Zealand, highlighting some exceptional finds. The standout wines included the complete lineup of Felton Road’s 2024 releases, which were particularly remarkable.
Ostler Caroline’s Pinot Noir 2021, Waitaki, Otago: This wine exhibits a floral and vibrant character along with a lovely cherry and raspberry aroma. On the palate, it delivers a vibrant raspberry crunch with spicy details, showing great structure and vitality. Rating: 95/100
Hans Pinot Noir 2022, Marlborough: Offers supple notes of redcurrant and raspberry fruit. Juicy with nice acidity, it is well-defined and has a good grip. Rating: 94/100
Spy Valley Johnson Envoy Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough: Features a supple, elegant style with fine cherries and raspberries, alongside a pleasing juiciness. Rating: 95/100
Chard Farm Mason Pinot Noir 2022, Central Otago: This wine showcases a bit of reduction while delivering vibrant red cherry and cranberry fruit, resulting in a light and delicate style. Rating: 93/100
Chard Farm Viper Pinot Noir 2022, Central Otago: Exhibits a tight, light, and elegant profile with a mineral undertow and expressive redcurrant and cherry flavors. Rating: 94/100
Dicey Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago: Has some development showing juicy strawberry and cherry notes mixed with herby nuances. Rating: 92/100
Auntsfield Pinot Noir 2022, Marlborough: Displays rich textures with sweet cherries and raspberries, layered with spicy details. Rating: 93/100
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough: Supple and elegant with fine-grained structure combined with a hint of spiciness and appealing herbal notes, balancing elegance and power. Rating: 95/100
Felton Road Releases (2024):
- Bannockburn: Elegant with exquisite red cherries and lovely texture. Rating: 95/100
- Cornish Point: Taut and floral, with exquisite structure and finesse along with fine red cherries. Rating: 96/100
- Calvert: Compact but rich with raspberry and cherry fruits, balanced by floral notes. Rating: 96/100
- McMuir: Silky and textural with hidden good structure underfruit, alongside green hints to the fruit. Rating: 95/100
- Block 3: Shows cherry and raspberry aromas with floral hints; precise with both flesh and structure. Rating: 97/100
Other Notable Wines:
- Giesen Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024, Marlborough: Bold with a deep color and a nice balance of red cherry and raspberry fruit. Rating: 95/100
- Q Pinot Noir 2024, Waitaki, Otago: This wine is fresh and vivid, showcasing a stylish red fruit character. Rating: 94/100
- Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2023, North Canterbury: Juicy and supple, featuring a harmonious blend of redcurrant, strawberry, and raspberry fruit. Rating: 94/100.
Overall, this tasting showcased the diverse and high-quality offerings of New Zealand’s Pinot Noir, evidencing a bright future for these wines.