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Pinot Noir Block 3
2018
Felton Road is an astonishing overnight success story. In just over 20 years Felton Road has become the global benchmark for New World pinot noir and has played a massive role in making Central Otago a new buzzword in the world of wine. Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter is an exceptional character, blessed equally with intellectual brilliance and extreme modesty. He is a captivating and insightful speaker, with the special ability to articulate complex ideas in such a way that they are made to...
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The wine leads with a nose filled with intrigue: the diversity, complexity and pleasure that is unmistakably Block 3. Its exotic dark fruit notes with a touch of herbal spice are the consistent markers. The exceptional north facing slope with its heavy textured soils and older vines delivers the typical keynotes to the palate: crushed herbs, raspberry and dark chocolate. Concentration does not come at the expense of transparency; power is there, but always discrete and never fighting Pinosity. Purity of deep fruit and chocolate like tannins abound through the finish of this classic iteration of Block 3.
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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