This is winemaker Blair Walter's favourite Felton Road red. Grown in a 'special' block of The Elms Vineyard at Bannockburn, in Central Otago, it is matured for a year or longer in French oak barriques (16 months in 30 per cent new barrels in 2020), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2020 vintage (5*) is a powerful, yet very graceful wine. Deep and youthful in colour, it is mouthfilling, with highly concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, and a very harmonious, lasting finish. Best drinking 2025+.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2020
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $116 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: AV
This wine is a Super Classic.
When to drink: 2025
Past Vintages:
Vintage: 2020; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 36
Vintage: 2019; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 35
Vintage: 2018; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 34
Vintage: 2017; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 33
Vintage: 2016; Winemaker’s Rating: 6/7; When to Drink: 22 – 30
Vintage: 2015; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 31
Vintage: 2014; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 30
Vintage: 2013; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 27
Vintage: 2012; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 26
Vintage: 2011; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 23
Vintage: 2010; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 22
Notes: WR provided by wineries. P = Peaked.
Reviewed March 2022