Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2020

Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2020

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Felton Road
Calvert Pinot Noir 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : New Zealand
  • Region : Central Otago
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 95 2020
BC Bob Campbell MW 95 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 94 2020
JR Jancis Robinson 17 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Calvert Vineyard is located in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago, New Zealand’s renowned Pinot Noir producing area. Positioned just 1km east of The Elms Vineyard, Calvert benefits from deep heavy silts and a thin layer of loess topsoil, which contribute to the wine’s structure and complexity. The vineyard is meticulously managed using biodynamic practices, certified by BioGro and Demeter.

The cool and relatively wet conditions during the flowering season resulted in smaller berry sizes and low bunch weights, which helped concentrate the fruit's flavors. These vines are carefully tended with hand-harvesting, shoot thinning, and leaf plucking, ensuring optimal fruit quality. Cover crops are planted between the rows to improve biodiversity and soil health, further enhancing the vineyard’s sustainability.

Winemaking

Felton Road’s winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the vineyard’s terroir to shine. The grapes for the 2020 Calvert Pinot Noir were gently destemmed into open-top fermenters, with about 20% of whole clusters included to add complexity. The wine underwent a long pre-fermentation soak of 8-10 days, followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts.

The wine was fermented in open-top fermenters, with gentle hand plunging up to two times per day to extract color and tannins. After a total of 22-24 days on the skins, the wine was pressed and transferred by gravity to French oak barrels, with 30% new oak. The wine aged for 17 months in barrel, without fining or filtration, ensuring that the wine retains its natural structure and texture. It was bottled in September 2021.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Medium ruby with bright, clear edges.
  • Aroma: A captivating bouquet of violets and floral notes characteristic of the Calvert vineyard, complemented by dark cherry, plum, and hints of allspice.
  • Palate: Silky and refined, the mid-palate is laden with floral notes, dark fruits like cherry and plum, and a subtle spiciness from the allspice. The wine finishes with elegant tannins and a firm, precise structure, reflecting the cool and extended ripening season. Vibrant acidity lifts the flavors, leaving a long and satisfying finish.

Did you know?

The Calvert Vineyard is part of a unique collaboration between Felton Road, Pisa Range Estate, and Carrick Winery, with all three wineries producing their own single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the same vineyard. This allows wine lovers to experience the different expressions of the same terroir through the lens of each winery's philosophy.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Duck breast with cherry sauce: The richness of the duck and the fruitiness of the sauce complement the dark cherry and plum notes in the wine.
  • Mushroom and truffle risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms and truffles harmonize with the wine’s floral and spice characteristics.
  • Herb-crusted lamb: The savory herbs and tender meat pair beautifully with the wine’s tannins and allspice notes.
  • Roasted beet salad with goat cheese: The vibrant acidity of the wine complements the tanginess of the goat cheese, while the earthy beets enhance the wine’s subtle complexity.

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2020)
The 2020 Calvert Pinot Noir is sumptuously red fruited, with cherry, strawberry, raspberry/rhubarb, pink peppercorns and star anise. There's even fennel seeds. In the mouth, the wine plays along so nicely and cooperatively. It is an elegant, supple wine in a wonderful place right now. If you are playing along at home, this is now entering a sublime drinking window. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Bob Campbell MW (BC) : 95 Points (2020)
Elegant, firmly-structured pinot noir with floral, spice, plum and red cherry flavours. Youthful and a little closed at this stage but with the potential to develop well with bottle age. Aerate for best results.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 94 Points (2020)
The 2020 Pinot Noir Calvert may initially seem smooth and refined, but there's no escaping its sense of power; it packs a punch with its concentrated core and structured tannic frame. While you'll find cherry-like fruit and a floral lift, there's a distinctly savory edge to this vintage, which displays Worcestershire sauce, spice and fruitcake alongside herbal notes. It achieves a wonderful balance between the core of ripe fruit and the powerful structure. A Calvert has the brawn to age and will benefit from more time in bottle.

Jancis Robinson (JR) : 17 Points (2020)
Intense nose of real concentration. Vibrant and jewelly – like essence of Central Otago but with a drier finish than many. Still very youthful and savoury. Great stuff! 17++/20 points (JR)

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 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 5 Pinot Noir 2022
Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2022
Felton Road
Block 5 Pinot Noir 2022
RP
95
BC
97
JS
97
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.
105,00 €
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
Wine regions guide
72,00 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
New Zealand
94 Robert Parker
Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2022
Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2022
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.
Block 2 Chardonnay 2022
64,90 €
New Zealand
Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
Made exclusively from Clone 95 Chardonnay vines, this wine shows a balance of orchard fruit and bright acidity, characteristic of its unique terroir.
Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
41,80 €
USA
93 Robert Parker
Birichino Rodnick Farm Pinot Noir 2021
Birichino Rodnick Farm Pinot Noir 2021
Birichino Rodnick Farm Pinot Noir 2021 is an extraordinary expression of the Chalone AVA, showcasing the unique character of granite- and limestone-rich soils combined with high-altitude elegance.
Rodnick Farm Pinot Noir 2021
59,00 €
Australia
93 Robert Parker
By Farr Geelong Chardonnay 2022
By Farr Geelong Chardonnay 2022
The By Farr Geelong Chardonnay is a sophisticated and nuanced wine, showcasing the elegance and complexity of cool-climate Chardonnay from the Geelong region.
Geelong Chardonnay 2022
62,90 €
Italy
92 Robert Parker
Tedeschi La Fabriseria Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2017
Tedeschi La Fabriseria Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2017
Crafted from hand-selected grapes left to slightly overripen on the vine, this wine showcases the intensity of Valpolicella Classico’s terroir, with vibrant dark fruit, delicate spice, and a long, polished finish.
La Fabriseria Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2017
36,90 €
Australia
99 James Suckling
Jim Barry The Armagh 2018
Jim Barry The Armagh 2018
Jim Barry’s The Armagh 2018 is a collector’s wine with exceptional concentration and poise, embodying the strength and elegance of Clare Valley’s terroir.
The Armagh 2018
269,00 €