Red dry
Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023 is one of the most consistent and precise interpretations of Central Otago, revealing Felton Road’s ability to combine New Zealand’s clarity with Old World structure.
The aroma is deep yet restrained: cherries, red plums, and cranberries intertwine with dried herbs, forest floor, light spices, and wet stone nuances. In the glass, the wine evolves slowly, revealing a layered, understated aromatic structure.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with precise, vibrant acidity and fine-grained, textured tannins. The texture is silky yet supported by a firm backbone, allowing the palate to remain focused and composed. Fruit does not dominate but integrates seamlessly into the overall structure. The finish is long, dry, and mineral-driven.
The Bannockburn vineyards lie on ancient alluvial and schist soils formed during the glacial period. A pronounced day–night temperature range helps retain acid tension, while the dry climate provides natural concentration to the fruit.
Felton Road works according to biodynamic viticulture principles—fermentation with native yeasts, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, using a restrained proportion of new oak.
Serve at 14-16°C with tuna tartare, duck breast, grilled sausages, and vegetable stews with wild mushrooms.
Felton Road is a small, family-owned estate that has become one of the most internationally acclaimed producers of New Zealand ‘Pinot Noir’. All of the winery’s vineyards are located in the prestigious Central Otago region, within the north-facing Elms Bannockburn Vineyard. Since 2000, strict organic and biodynamic viticulture standards have been applied here, ensuring maximum terroir expression and sustainability.
Head winemaker Blair Walter honed his experience with ‘Pinot Noir’ in Oregon (USA) and Burgundy, bringing classical winemaking expertise and meticulous attention to detail to Felton Road. All grapes are harvested exclusively by hand. The winery’s unique three-level gravity-flow design, integrated into a hillside, allows all production processes to be carried out without pumps. Fermentation is done only with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered to preserve their natural flavour and structure.
According to renowned wine critic James Suckling, “If Central Otago could be compared to Côte de Nuits, then Bannockburn would be like Vosne-Romanée, and I can confidently say that Felton Road is comparable to the legendary DRC.”
Felton Road wines stand out for their natural purity, precise structure, and exceptional expression of terroir. They are balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.
Red wine – predominantly made from ‘Pinot Noir’. Aromas are dominated by red and black berries, floral notes, and spices. On the palate, soft tannins, fresh acidity, and a long-lasting finish prevail. With age, they develop complex earthy, forest floor, and dried fruit nuances.
White wine – made from ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Riesling’. ‘Chardonnay’ offers minerality, citrus and ripe fruit aromas, and subtle oak influence. ‘Riesling’ is vibrant, fresh, and marked by balance and aromatic purity.
All Felton Road vineyards are farmed biodynamically, maintaining a natural balance between soil, plants, and the environment.
Elms Bannockburn Vineyard – the main source of ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Chardonnay’, renowned for its clay, gravel, and limestone soils, which give the wines elegance and structure.
Other Bannockburn parcels – add complexity to the style and provide additional aromatic nuances.
The wines are matured in oak barrels, with the proportion of new oak carefully controlled to avoid overshadowing natural fruit expression. Aging time varies by style – ‘Pinot Noir’ is typically aged for 13–18 months, and ‘Chardonnay’ for about 12 months.
Felton Road wines are delightful to drink young, but the finest ‘Pinot Noir’ examples can gracefully age for 10–15 years, retaining their balance, aromatic depth, and elegance.
