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Pinot Noir Block 3
2012
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...
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Felton Road farms three properties totaling 32 ha in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. This wine is taken from Block 3 of Elms vineyard where a deep bench of glacial soil is interspersed with calcarious seams. Meticulous summer management of a single vertical shoot positioned (VSP) canopy ensures even and early fruit maturity. Shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf plucking, bunch thinning and harvest are all carried out by hand to ensure optimum quality fruit. Cover crops are planted between rows to assist in vine balance and to improve soil health and general biodiversity.
The growing season was most unusual with spring being the warmest and most stable to date and no frosts. We experienced a very early, fast and successful flowering which resulted in solid crops across all varieties. We were relieved to see things cool down in January, which set the pattern for a cooler and wetter mid-season. The description “wetter” must be read with respect to our normal very low rainfall, so still not a lot of rain. The weather settled for a flawless and warm Indian summer during harvest. There was no rain and the harvest started very early on March 21. We see the wines as being less overtly fruity (possibly a good thing as overtly fruity wines can appear one dimensional and simple) with reasonably firm structures and a pleasant kind of rusticity about them. Precision, mineral and tension will be good descriptors for the 2011’s.
The unique gravity flow winery enabled the grapes to be gently destemmed directly into open-top fermenters without pumping with approximately 20% as whole clusters. Traditional 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 French oak barrels from highly regarded Burgundian coopers. In accordance with our non-interventionalist approach to winemaking, this wine was fermented with indigenous yeast and was not fined or filtered.
Emphatically expressive…. dark fruits leading to background florals, crushed herbs and complex spice. Pure, vibrant and precise. Textured and layered with underlying power befitting of Block 3. Drive and poise, a true aristocrat and a struggle to put down. Patience will be rewarded for the profound incarnation that awaits.
A perfumed nose of sour cherries, wild strawberries, cranberries, dried flowers, orange rind and baking spices. Medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity and fine tannins. Layered and harmonious, with a velvety texture and vibrant, lively character on the palate. Pure and flavorful, long finish. Very long. Give this three or four years to show its true greatness. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
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This is a dense, rich and satisfying style with masses of concentration and harnessed power. Despite this, the wine retains a sense of clarity and elegance through its core. The tannins are delightful, speaking of the 27-year-old vines and the gentle maceration regime; they coat the mouth, providing a . There are layers of detailed aromas from flowers and woody herbs through cherry fruits to the more earthy, savory nuances of clove, cinnamon and cedar. Lengthy, fragrant yet brooding, this is an excellent offering that will stand the test of time.
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Still marked by a faint stemminess (25% whole clusters were utilized), the 2019 Block 3 Pinot Noir looks to have the fruit weight and richness to eventually absorb that element. Scents of rose hips and black tea are joined by hints of mushrooms and root vegetables to accent black cherry, plum and cola notes. It's medium to full-bodied, rich and loamy, with plush, soft tannins and a long, gently dusty finish.
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Dark chocolate, black cherry and plum flavors show a mix of licorice, cumin and turmeric, adding a savory thread. Matcha green tea and white pepper notes are followed by a touch of currant that lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2035. 623 cases made, 16 cases imported. — MW
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Fruit from Block 3 of Elms vineyard (vine age mostly 27 years). 25% whole cluster. 13 months' élevage in 30% new oak. The Felton Road team have been trying to keep alcohol levels to 13.5% so the climate is presumably warming up, even in the far south of the South Island.
Notably subtle and savoury on the nose – none of the immediate sweet appeal of the less prestigious 2019 Pinots. A distinctive framework of tannins within which tamarind fruit shines brightly. Very clean finish. Real tightrope balance between the freshness and the ripeness but to good and delicious effect. This is already gorgeous and I will probably drink it tonight but it should continue to improve in bottle. Very appetising.
Good for Felton Road for not milking the price difference between the Blocks and the rest. Dark crimson. Cranberry-liqueur nose. Lots of interest here on this Côte de Nuits-type wine. Fine tannins and real ambition. I’d love to taste this blind alongside a fine burgundy premier cru. Still quite youthful.
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