Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir Central Otago – 2022

Felton Road is one of the world’s most southerly 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.  Calvert is a single vineyard of “1er Cru” quality if this were Burgundy.

“The 2022 Calvert Pinot Noir is currently closed and firm on the nose (although a point to note, the Calvert and Block 5 were bottled in September, and it is now late November. The other Pinots from this vintage went to bottle in May). In the mouth, however, this wine hits a massive stride. Forthright tannins accompany powerful fruit and fine acidity to make an impact. There’s pomegranate and cherry, violets, rosehips and capers, with green olive tapenade and even a hint of bone broth. Once again, the acidity in conjunction with the tannins combine to bring on a cool finish… lovely. I do love the strawberry through the finish. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.” 94+pts Wine Advocate

“Characteristic Calvert florals lead the nose with violets and dark rose petals dominating. The warmer 2022 vintage attempts to outplay the vineyard character, but as we have come to learn with this vineyard, Calvertness is rarely, if ever, outclassed. The deep silt soils and naturally moderated vine vigour provides intensity and detailed, elegant tannins. Fine and regal: a classic Calvert.” Blair Walter, winemaker