12 Felton Road wines to try

New Zealand's Felton Road finds its home in Bannockburn. Perhaps you've tried Felton Road Riesling, Felton Road Chardonnay, or Felton Road Pinot Noir? The NZ New World producer is a specialist in all three grapes. Winemaker Blair Walter says the team work with the cool-climate trio as they're the most suited to Central Otago's conditions. And because "three is enough?!"

If you're new to Felton Road, then Blair recommends starting with the Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir. "It’s a blend of our four vineyards so expresses Bannockburn rather than a single site, and ticks lots of boxes and is easier to love, compared to a more distinctive wine from one of the single vineyards or single Blocks."

Speaking of pinot, the Felton Road Block 3 has been scored 97 points by Dave Brookes. "Of the two 'Block' wines, it's the Block 3 that holds its gaze the longest with its wild eyes," says Dave. Like the Block 3, the Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir has been rated 'exceptional'. "It's an excellent, finely-honed release and just lovely drinking." Both wines are $132 NZD. Also in the line up below is the Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir, the Calvert Pinot Noir, the MacMuir, along with the Bannockburn.

Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter.

Felton Road wines come from four vineyards – Elms, Cornish Point, Calvert, and MacMuir – which are all situated in Bannockburn, and are "always 100 per cent estate grown, made and bottled." Blair says the vineyards are "ours, and very respectfully farmed."

Blair says the winemaking ethos at Felton Road is simple: "To make honest, detailed and delicious wines that best express our beautiful vineyard sites from Bannockburn, Central Otago. Minimal winemaking input like all wild yeasts, natural malolactics in the spring, subtle use of new oak, and no fining and filtration are features of our chardonnays and pinot noirs."

For more information visit feltonroad.com.

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Image credit: Felton Road.