Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2022

Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2022

 

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Felton Road
Block 5 Pinot Noir 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : New Zealand
  • Region : Central Otago
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

Crafted with biodynamic precision, the Block 5 Pinot Noir 2022 is a reflection of Felton Road’s commitment to producing wines of exceptional purity and depth.

Experts Score Vintage
BC Bob Campbell MW 97 2022
JS James Suckling 97 2022
RP Robert Parker 95 2022
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Felton Road is located in the Bannockburn subregion of Central Otago, renowned for producing some of New Zealand's most celebrated cool-climate Pinot Noirs. The Block 5 vineyard, situated on a north-facing slope in The Elms Vineyard, was planted in 1993. The soils here are diverse, ranging from loess and silt to clay lakebed deposits and angular schist gravels, contributing to the wine’s complexity and depth.

Felton Road’s vineyards are farmed using organic and biodynamic practices, certified by BioGro and Demeter, ensuring sustainable viticulture that enhances the expression of terroir. Careful vineyard management practices, including shoot thinning, leaf plucking, and hand-harvesting, ensure that only the highest quality fruit is used in the production of Block 5 Pinot Noir.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage benefited from a growing season marked by regular rainfall and warm conditions. Flowering occurred early, and the development of the grapes advanced quickly, leading to a harvest that commenced in mid-March. The wine was crafted with 20% whole clusters, while the remaining grapes were gently de-stemmed and gravity-fed into the fermenters. A long pre-fermentation soak of 8-10 days was followed by spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Manual punch-downs occurred twice daily, and the total maceration time on the skins lasted 24 days.

After pressing, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels (29% new) for 16 months of aging. The wine underwent no fining or filtration, preserving its purity and complexity, before bottling in September 2023.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: A deep, vibrant ruby red.
  • Aroma: The nose is intense and dynamic, with aromas of dark florals, black cherry, and a signature blend of spices and dried herbs typical of Central Otago Pinot Noir.
  • Palate: The palate is refined and complex, with layers of ripe black fruit balanced by fine, integrated tannins. The wine is seamless and poised, with a vibrant energy that leads to a long, elegant finish. The tannins are present yet svelte, indicating excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

The Block 5 vineyard is one of the oldest on the estate, planted in 1993, and has gained a reputation for producing some of Felton Road’s most complex and age-worthy Pinot Noirs. The vineyard’s unique combination of soil types, including angular schist gravels and clay deposits, plays a crucial role in the distinctive profile of the wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic: The rich, savory flavors of lamb pair beautifully with the wine’s fine tannins and herbal spice notes.
  • Mushroom risotto: The earthy depth of mushrooms complements the wine’s complex aromatics and silky mouthfeel.
  • Duck breast with cherry sauce: The wine’s black cherry notes mirror the sweetness of the sauce, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the duck.
  • Aged cheeses, such as Comté or Gruyère: The wine’s balance of fruit and acidity pairs perfectly with the nutty, savory flavors of aged cheeses.

History of Felton Road Estate

Felton Road was established in 1991, with the first vines planted by Stewart Elms, a local viticulture pioneer. The estate was founded on the belief that the unique soils and climate of Central Otago were perfectly suited for producing wines of distinction, particularly Pinot Noir. In 2000, the estate was purchased by Nigel Greening, a passionate wine lover from England, who has been instrumental in shaping Felton Road’s vision and commitment to sustainability.

From the outset, Felton Road’s winemaking philosophy has been based on minimal intervention and respect for the land. Blair Walter, the estate’s winemaker since 1996, has played a crucial role in the estate’s rise to prominence. Walter’s approach emphasizes purity of fruit, and under his leadership, Felton Road has become known for its wines that express the authenticity and complexity of the vineyards.

A significant milestone in the estate’s history came in 2002, when Felton Road fully converted to biodynamic farming, becoming certified by BioGro and Demeter. This shift to biodynamic practices has allowed the estate to improve soil health and vine vitality, resulting in wines that more accurately reflect their terroir.

Region and Vineyards

Felton Road is located in Central Otago, the southernmost wine region in the world, known for its cool climate and ability to produce exceptional Pinot Noir. The estate is specifically in the Bannockburn sub-region, which is characterized by a continental climate—warm summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature variations. These conditions help retain the natural acidity of the grapes while allowing them to ripen fully, resulting in wines that are both vibrant and complex.

Felton Road farms four estate vineyards, covering 34 hectares in total. Each vineyard is meticulously managed to allow the unique characteristics of the site to shine through in the wines:

  • The Elms Vineyard: This is the home of Felton Road and contains the iconic Block 3 and Block 5 sites. Situated on gentle north-facing slopes, The Elms Vineyard has deep silt soils with calcareous seams, contributing to the distinctive minerality and structure found in these wines. Block 3 wines are known for their elegance, while Block 5 produces more powerful, structured wines.

  • Cornish Point Vineyard: Located close to a body of water, this vineyard benefits from a unique mesoclimate, which moderates temperature extremes. The result is a vineyard that produces fruit with intense concentration and ripe tannins, which are evident in Felton Road’s Cornish Point Pinot Noir.

  • Calvert Vineyard: Known for producing wines with fine tannins and floral characteristics, the Calvert Vineyard has deep, fertile silt soils and is located just 1 km from The Elms. The vineyard is also part of a collaboration between Felton Road, Carrick, and Pisa Range Estate, with each producer crafting a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Calvert’s fruit.

  • MacMuir Vineyard: The newest addition to Felton Road’s portfolio, this vineyard brings additional complexity and diversity to the estate’s wines.

Biodynamic Viticulture

Felton Road’s commitment to biodynamic farming has been fundamental to its success. Certified by BioGro and Demeter, the estate avoids synthetic chemicals and instead uses natural preparations to enhance vine health and promote biodiversity. Techniques such as cover cropping and composting are used to maintain soil fertility, while all vineyard tasks, including hand-harvesting, shoot thinning, and leaf plucking, are performed with meticulous care to ensure the highest quality fruit.

Terroir and Soils

The diversity of soil types across the vineyards plays a critical role in defining the style of Felton Road’s wines. The silt and loess soils of The Elms and Calvert vineyards provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive mineral character to the wines. In contrast, the schist and gravel soils of Cornish Point contribute to the boldness and concentration of the fruit. This combination of soil diversity and ideal growing conditions allows Felton Road to produce wines that are both expressive and age-worthy.

Wine Range

Felton Road produces a focused range of wines, specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. All the wines are estate-grown, and the winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to let the vineyard’s unique characteristics shine through.

  • Pinot Noir: Felton Road’s Pinot Noir wines are among the most acclaimed in New Zealand. The estate produces several single-vineyard expressions, including the highly sought-after Block 3, Block 5, Calvert, and Cornish Point Pinot Noirs. These wines are known for their balance of power and finesse, as well as their ability to age gracefully.

  • Chardonnay: Felton Road’s Chardonnay is also highly regarded, particularly the Block 2 Chardonnay, which showcases the minerality and purity of fruit that the estate’s cool-climate vineyards can achieve.

  • Riesling: The estate produces both dry and sweet Rieslings, which are known for their precision and vibrant acidity. These wines have garnered a reputation for their ability to express the purity of Central Otago’s cool-climate terroir.

Did You Know?

Felton Road is part of the Grand Cru Alliance, a prestigious group of biodynamic wineries that includes some of the most respected estates from Burgundy and other top regions around the world. This alliance underscores Felton Road’s standing as one of the leading biodynamic wineries globally.

Bob Campbell MW (BC) : 97 Points (2022)
A deliciously accessible Block 5 with intense ripe cassis, dark cherry, black-fleshed plum, vanilla and floral/rose petal flavours and a layer of anise/thyme. Perfectly balanced wine with good cellaring potential.

James Suckling (JS) : 97 Points (2022)
There is an opulence and intensity here yet it remains fresh and vivid with orange peel and ripe strawberry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with firm and racy tannins that give it tension and focus. Clear and naked in so many ways giving it a clarity that is appreciated. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Better in two or three years.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2022)
The 2022 Block 5 Pinot Noir leads with pronounced oak on the nose, but it’s a gently dusty, raw cocoa, sandalwood sort of character and does not overwhelm the fruit. In the mouth, the fruit is spicy and full, and it behaves in a most attractive fashion. The wine enters gently and plumes through the mid-palate and finish for an expansive, voluminous experience. A wonderful wine, clearly with the most pronounced presence in the lineup of 2022 Pinots in front of me today. Excellent. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2021
Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2021
Felton Road
Block 5 Pinot Noir 2021
WS
94
RP
95
DCT
97
Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir is a superb expression of Central Otago terroir, showcasing finesse, balance, and a long, elegant finish. It reflects the region’s cool climate, with impeccable precision and depth.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2020
Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2020
Felton Road
Calvert Pinot Noir 2020
RP
95
JR
90
VN
94
Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2020 amplifies the signature floral and fruit notes of the Calvert site, crafted with the estate’s hallmark minimal intervention approach to highlight the purity of the terroir.
72,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019
Felton Road
Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019
WS
94
RP
92
WE
92
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019 is a striking example of Central Otago’s renowned Pinot Noirs, with a level of complexity that exceeds its village-level designation. The 2019 vintage blends fruit from four of Felton Road’s top vineyards, delivering a wine of remarkable poise and depth.
64,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2021
Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2021
Felton Road
Block 3 Pinot Noir 2021
WS
96
RP
96
DCT
97
The Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2021 is a powerful and complex single-vineyard wine, delivering a unique expression of the Block 3 site in Central Otago. Its blend of wild herbs, spice, and deep fruit flavors makes it a standout among Felton Road’s Pinot Noirs.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2020
Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2020
Felton Road
Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2020
RP
93
JR
88
VN
93
The Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2020 is a concentrated and brooding expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir, marked by rich fruit and complex spice notes. This wine demonstrates the unique character of the Cornish Point vineyard, offering depth and elegance.
77,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay 2021
Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay 2021
Felton Road
Bannockburn Chardonnay 2021
DCT
93
VN
93
Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay 2021 is a beautifully crafted wine, balancing elegance and complexity with bright acidity and a detailed, saline finish. It offers layers of vibrant fruit and floral notes, framed by meticulous winemaking.
49,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2019
Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2019
Felton Road
Block 2 Chardonnay 2019
RP
93
JS
94
WS
92
Crafted from old vines in Block 2, this Felton Road Chardonnay stands out for its minerality and vibrant acidity, offering a pure and focused expression of Central Otago’s schist soils.
64,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2018
Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2018
Felton Road
Block 6 Chardonnay 2018
RP
94
WS
92
Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2018 is an elegant and bold expression of the Bannockburn terroir, where ripeness and complexity converge in a wine of power and finesse.
61,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2019
Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2019
Felton Road
Calvert Pinot Noir 2019
WS
92
WE
93
DCT
96
Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2019 is a wine of remarkable finesse and precision, offering a seamless expression of Central Otago’s renowned terroir.
78,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2022
Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2022
Felton Road
Block 2 Chardonnay 2022
RP
94
The Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2022 is a refined and site-expressive wine that showcases the elegance of Central Otago’s Bannockburn terroir, with meticulous craftsmanship and biodynamic principles at its core.
64,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road MacMuir Pinot Noir 2022
Felton Road MacMuir Pinot Noir 2022
Felton Road
MacMuir Pinot Noir 2022
RP
94
DCT
95
JS
95
As the second-ever release from this single vineyard, the MacMuir Pinot Noir 2022 exemplifies Felton Road’s commitment to expressing the nuances of its terroir through meticulous viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking.
86,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2021
Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2021
Felton Road
Block 6 Chardonnay 2021
RP
94
DCT
94
JS
96
Crafted from the Block 6 vineyard, this Chardonnay reflects the unique growing conditions of its higher altitude, delivering a sophisticated and precise wine.
61,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
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