Chardonnay Block 6 2019

FELTON ROAD

Chardonnay Block 6
2019

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
Country
New Zealand
Regulated designation
Table wine
Region
South Island
Subregion
Central Otago
Varietal(s)
Chardonnay 100 %
Alcohol percentage
13.5%
Colour
White
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website

About this winery

Felton Road is an iconic New Zealand winery located in Central Otago, renowned for its exceptional wines. Founded in 1991 by Stewart Elms, the estate quickly became known for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture and meticulous winemaking practices. The vineyards are planted on steep, rocky slopes, benefiting from an extreme climate that enhances the production of finely crafted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Each wine from Felton Road embodies the pure and authentic expression of...

See the FELTON ROAD detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

Felton Road farms four properties totalling 32 ha in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. This wine is a blend from our four vineyards: Cornish Point, Calvert, MacMuir and The Elms. Fermentation with a moderately long maceration on skins has extracted good colour and tannin with considerable depth of flavour. This wine was aged for 13 months in 30% new French oak barrels from artisan Burgundian coopers. In accordance with our non-interventionalist approach to winemaking, this wine was fermented with indigenous yeast and was not fined or filtered.

Tasting notes

Aromas of stonefruit and honeysuckle are immediately apparent. Our hands-off and transparent winemaking reveals the markers of Block 6 to take centre stage. This higher elevation and north-facing slope results in riper flavours with more opulence and breadth compared to the more mineral infused and tighter Block 2. A complexing chalkiness adds intrigue and mouthfeel to the finish which is supported by a fine, almost salty acidity.

Press reviews

Vinous

- 93 points -

Rebecca Gibb, November 2020 (Vintage 2019)

Felton Road's Block 6 is north-facing, so it receives more sun compared with the east-facing Block 2 Chardonnay. As a result, it's a little more generous in its ripeness and mouthfeel yet remains precise and focused. This midweight style has a streak of assertive acidity, commonly found in Chardonnays made from the Mendoza clone. However, 18 months in old oak has rounded its edges and imbued an almost savory, nutty edge to the lengthy finish. Can be enjoyed now but won't be going anywhere in a hurry.

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Jancis Robinson

16.5

(Vintage 2019)

Fruit from Block 6 of the Elms vineyard. Mendoza clone (vine age mostly 26 years). 16 months' élevage in older (minimum 5-year-old) oak.
Rather broader and more intense than the Block 2 with stone-fruit flavours on the palate and even a hint of popcorn. There is definite richness on the palate entry that must be quite unusual within New Zealand. A little more California than NZ? Long and well contained.

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