Felton Road Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Felton Road was founded by Stewart Elms in the 1990s who realised the potential of Central Otago’s cool climate for making exceptional Burgundian style wines. In recent years it has been taken over by English-born owner Nigel Greening who declares himself a “Pinot Noir addict”. Working with winemaker Blair Walter who honed his skills in Burgundy and Oregon, Greening has established Felton Road as a benchmark New Zealand producer, creating wines with the verve and polish to rival many of Burgundy’s finest. The Bannockburn Pinot is crafted from four estate vineyards, Cornish Point, Calvert, MacMuir and The Elms, set on temperate north-facing slopes. All of the vineyards are farmed biodynamically under the strict Demeter certification. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified using minimal intervention methods and are matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. Bright cherry and plum notes are the first to leap out of the glass followed by deeper notes of savoury dried herbs, leather and baked earth. The first sip reveals a medium body carefully balanced by a vibrant acidity and rich core of dark fruit flavours. A fantastic wine to pair with seasonal game dishes, roasted duck, or a luxurious coq au vin.

Price: £55.24 from 8wines UK