A fairly muted bouquet of primary fruits and spice with the subtle intricacies of Block 5 simmering in the background: an early hint of the potential in a few years time. By contrast the palate is dramatic: very rich and textural, with concentrated boysenberry, spice, cherry jam and buttered toast. In its youth the flavours compete rather than complex and this wine will need some years to open and fully integrate. There is more than enough structure to elegantly frame the wine for those with enough patience. Pair with game, red meats and cheeses.

Felton Road wines is located in Bannockburn, Central Otago in New Zealand, the most southerly wine growing region in the World. Here, vineyards are nestled into small macroclimates totally surrounded by high mountains, many of which are snowcapped all year round. Though the location is on the edge of sustainable viticulture these macroclimates consistently combine hot days, cool nights and long dry autumns: perfect for the creation of fine Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. The latitude of 45 degrees south is similar to the Willamette Valley in Oregon and some of the finest wine regions of France.
Map of local region click to enlarge

Central Otago is New Zealand's only wine region with a continental climate rather than a maritime one. This brings the risk of frosts but has the benefit of low rainfall and high sunshine hours. Of the five distinct macroclimates so far identified in Central Otago, Bannockburn, with its gentle north facing slopes and deep loess soils seems well suited to the production of complex Pinot Noir.