2009 Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 750ml

Minor Label Stain/s

Overview

Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir is a powerful, highly regarded single-block expression from Bannockburn in Central Otago. Estate-grown under organic and biodynamic viticulture, the 2009 vintage combines floral perfume, tightly bound fruit and a substantial yet finely balanced tannin structure.

Vintage and Vineyard

A cool growing season prompted careful crop thinning and additional leaf removal before warm, stable conditions returned in March. The fruit was hand-picked from Felton Road's estate vineyard, where organic and biodynamic practices are used to preserve the character of this distinctive Bannockburn site.

Winemaking

Approximately 25% whole clusters were retained, with the remainder destemmed directly into fermenters using gravity. After an eight-to-ten-day pre-fermentation soak, the wine fermented with indigenous yeasts and spent 21 to 23 days on skins. It was matured for 17 months in French oak barrels, including 35% new oak, and bottled without fining or filtration.

Tasting Profile

Producer Tasting Note: The nose leads with florals: rose petals and violets. The palate is brooding and very textural, showing the huge potential lurking in the shadows. The balance is very much one of rich but fine tannins bouncing off the structure of the acid, with richness coming from the tightly bound fruit. The length of the tannins which echo through the finish indicates this will be a classic vintage.

Critic Reviews

93 Points - Wine Spectator
Tasted June 2011

93 Points - Jeannie Cho Lee
Tasted January 2011

93 Points - Bob Campbell
Tasted September 2010

92 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine
Tasted February 2013

Specifications

• Vintage: 2009
• Producer: Felton Road
• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago
• Country: New Zealand
• Viticulture: Estate-grown, organic and biodynamic
• Whole Clusters: 25%
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast
• Maturation: 17 months in French oak, 35% new
• Alcohol: 14%
• Production: Unfined and unfiltered
• Drinking Window: 2012-2026