Often rightly considered the finest producers of Central Otago Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this low intervention, gravity fed, organic and biodynamic winery is all about hands-off purity, quality and class. Felton Road dates back to 1991, with the planting of the Elms Vineyard on Felton Road, in the Bannockburn district of Central Otago. However lauded the Chardonnays and Rieslings may be, the international profile of Felton Road is justly upheld by the series of vineyard specific Pinot Noirs which express the nuances and character of each individual site.
Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2019
14% abv
Inviting aromas of white blossom, delicate peach and hints of citrus. Not obvious or overt: just balanced and uncomplicated. However, the palate is where it all becomes more serious with nutty and complex flavours, both mouth-coating and alluring. Harmonising time in barrel (16 months), but no new oak, avails a revelatory transparency promoting an emphasis on site expression. The deep schist soils of Block 2, without make-up and winemaking artefact, are plainly evident in the long and mineral finish.
Mendoza clone Chardonnay from Block 2 was whole bunch pressed and flowed immediately (without settling) by gravity to barrel in the underground cellar. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in
seasoned French oak (no new oak) was followed by a long and complete malolactic over the spring and summer. After 16 months in barrel the wine was racked to tank for bottling in late-August. The wine was not fined or filtered.
- Reference #:
- 12989
- Strength
- 14 ABV
- Bottles per Case
- 6 bottles
- Grapes
- Chardonnay
- Organic
- Yes
- Biodynamic
- Yes
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
- Sparkling
- No
