Felton Road Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024
Felton Road Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024 is a dry, medium-bodied red from Pinot Noir (Bannockburn, New Zealand), in the medium, savoury reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity fresh; oak influence is some. Good with venison, duck, salmon, roast chicken. Drink within 11 years (to about 2035). No need to decant. Biodynamic farming is mentioned by the merchant. Critic score 95/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santenay Rouge, Vieilles Vignes, Paul Pillot 2023 Domaine Paul Pillot · Burgundy | £47.00 | |||
| Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru 'Les Fournières', Domaine Tollot-Beaut 2011 Domaine Tollot-Beaut · Burgundy | £47.10 | |||
| Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru 'Aux Vergelesses', Jane Eyre 2020 Jane Eyre · Burgundy | £47.20 | |||
| Domaine Jean-Marc & Hugues Pavelot Savigny les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres 2021 Domaine Jean-Marc & Hugues Pavelot · Burgundy | £47.33 |
Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Felton Road was founded by Stewart Elms in the 1990s who realised the potential of Central Otago’s cool climate for making exceptional Burgundian style wines. In recent years it has been taken over by English-born owner Nigel Greening who declares himself a “Pinot Noir addict”. Working with winemaker Blair Walter who honed his skills in Burgundy and Oregon, Greening has established Felton Road as a benchmark New Zealand producer, creating wines with the verve and polish to rival many of Burgundy’s finest. The Bannockburn Pinot is crafted from four estate vineyards, Cornish Point, Calvert, MacMuir and The Elms, set on temperate north-facing slopes. All of the vineyards are farmed biodynamically under the strict Demeter certification. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified using minimal intervention methods and are matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. Bright cherry and plum notes are the first to leap out of the glass followed by deeper notes of savoury dried herbs, leather and baked earth. The first sip reveals a medium body carefully balanced by a vibrant acidity and rich core of dark fruit flavours. A fantastic wine to pair with seasonal game dishes, roasted duck, or a luxurious coq au vin.