Representing and recognised as the very pinnacle of what the world's most southern wine region has to offer, it's difficult to speak of Central Otago for long before Felton Road is mentioned. Their home of Bannockburn being one of the warmest and driest areas in the region, their wines are infused with a unique mingling of brightness and maturity. With all vineyards farmed organically and fruit meticulously hand-picked, each of their sites are granted the particular attention they require, stylishly expressing appropriate new-world charm into such beloved old-world grape varietals. Their 2024 season was one of ideal balance, with a relatively wet spring followed by dry summer period going into harvest, coupled with temperatures hovering around average all the way through, meaning the fruit was blessed with a slow and steady ripening trajectory.
We've just received our yearly lot of their primary Pinot Noir releases, with a small slither of the Bannockburn Chardonnay to boot; each one down on anew release special! The beloved entry Pinot (titled 'Bannockburn', made from a blend between their four vineyards) is as high-tone and fruit-laden as ever, with a delicious depth to its secondary earthy notes and a tannin line integrated nicely with the crispy acidity. Elsewhere, the singular site expressions (Cornish Point, MacMuir and Block 3) push forth their geographical characteristics, flourishing from alluvial, calcareous and silt soils respectively, making for wines of greater breadth and ageability. We also have some final bottles of their 2023 releases down on offer too, with the last remaining Calvert, Block 5, and magnums of the Cornish Point!
Felton Road - 2024 Releases
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Bannockburn Chardonnay 2024 -
$70 on special this week; $79 RRP
// Certified Organic
"Various clones of Chardonnay (Mendoza, B95, 548) were carefully hand harvested from Cornish Point, Calvert and The Elms vineyards. The grapes were whole bunch pressed with the juice flowing to barrel by gravity after overnight settling. Fermentation in French oak (mostly well-seasoned barrels with just 5% new) with indigenous yeasts has produced a wine with considerable complexity. A long and complete indigenous malolactic fermentation with only periodic stirring of the lees (Batonnage), combined with 11 months on full lees; has softened the acid for a rich and complex mouthfeel. Citrus blossom, elderflower and wet stones set the scene for this subtle yet beguiling Chardonnay. Deeply fruited with hazelnut notes through the mid, combined with characteristic fresh acidity, leads to a harmonious and sustained finish." - Notes from Felton Road
Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2024 -
$76 on special this week; $85 RRP
// Certified Organic
"The unique gravity flow winery enabled the grapes to be gently destemmed directly into open-top fermenters without pumping, retaining 20% as whole clusters. Traditional fermentation with a moderately long maceration on skins has extracted good colour and tannin with considerable depth of flavour. This wine was aged for 13 months in 20% new French oak barrels from artisan Burgundian coopers. A potpourri of dark petals and Indian spices dominate the inviting bouquet. Dark and deep fruit on the palate is amply supported by complexing savoury and earthy notes. It’s not just fruit, there’s so much more contributing. This is our diverse four vineyards coming together to superbly express the classic character of Bannockburn: black cherry fruit notes and silky, chocolate laden tannins." - Notes from Felton Road
Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2024 -
$99 on special this week; $110 RRP
// Certified Organic
"This wine is from Cornish Point vineyard where the close proximity to Lake Dunstan (surrounded on three sides) creates a unique mesoclimate. Fine loess and silt soils overlie alluvial gravels interspersed with calcareous seams. Red cherry, plum and a hint of dried herbs open the nose in a delightfully fragrant manner. The aromatics deftly define the knife edge ripeness that’s critical for great Pinot Noir; dialled in with ease in the exceptional 2024 vintage. Cardamom, mace and cranberry make an appearance, followed by a finely poised mouthfeel. The silky tannins are luscious and sweet, providing backbone and length." - Notes from Felton Road
MacMuir Pinot Noir 2024 -
$110 on special this week; $125 RRP
// Certified Organic
"This wine is from MacMuir vineyard which is just 1 km east of the Elms vineyard and winery, and just 300m west of Calvert. The vineyard possesses a higher vine density, a diverse range of clones and deep, heavy silt soils. A little shy on first reveal, but then the deeply bound fruit and complexing aromatics begin to unfold. Powerful, deep and saturating – what we have come to expect from MacMuir. The unmistakeable Felton Road winemaking hand contains the package allowing it to gradually deliver, exposing layer upon layer. The site is special – a hedonistic wine that’s brooding, formidable and unique." - Notes from Felton Road
Block 3 Pinot Noir 2024 -
$134 on special this week; $149 RRP
// Certified Organic
"Block 3 is situated on a gentle north facing slope in the heart of The Elms vineyard where a deep bench of silt soil is interspersed with calcareous seams. The first encounter tells you it could only be Block 3. Characteristic spice and herbs, dark cherry, leather and mocha. The superb 2024 vintage shows the place clearer than ever, delivered in a wine that’s poised as well as profound. Cascades of deep dark fruit on the palate build to reveal real authority rather than just weight. The tannins are waiting, providing a framework for the depth of fruit, then ultimately giving a sustained, indulgent finish. An emphatically opulent Block 3 with the potential to be benchmark." - Notes from Felton Road
- Last bottles of 2023 release still available -
Calvert Pinot Noir 2023 -
$99 on special this week; $110 RRP
Block 5 Pinot Noir 2023 -
$135 on special this week; $150 RRP
Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2023 MAGNUM (1500ml) -
$235 on special this week; $265 RRP
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above
Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions.
// Prices valid until Wednesday the 30th of June