Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir Central Otago (in 300cl double magnum) – 2024

Felton Road is one of the world’s most southerly wine producers, located in the Central Otago region of New Zealand’s south island. The winery was founded in 1991 and has been certified  biodynamic since 2002.

Block 3 is one of Felton Road’s two “grand crus”, consistently producing some of the winery’s best quality Pinot Noirs each vintage.

“Very complex with measured layers of perfume unfurling from the glass. Raspberry, cherry and bramble rose weave through subtle notes of baking spice and dried thyme, sweet herbs and a hint of smoke. Earthier and more savoury tones join the fruit on the palate as the wine gently expands outwards, backed by sweet fruit and finely submerged yet structural tannins. Everything is kept balanced and lively with a bright acidity running under it all. The palate tapers right at the very back after a long complex finish, suggesting that this is perhaps another couple of years away from being ready to drink, but it clearly has masses of concentration and power within its lithe, elegant frame and should age effortlessly over the long-term” 97/100pts The Real Review; Number 1 Wine from the 2024 vintage in Central Otago (out of 77 wines).

“Aromas of ripe strawberries, plums and granite with a mineral undertone. It’s tannic with chewy tannins and a crushed character. Smoky, too. From organically grown grapes.  Needs a few more years of bottle age to soften, but it’s already impressive.” 98/100pts James Suckling

Winemaker tasting note

“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.” Blair Walter, winemaker