Felton Road, Central Otago, New Zealand
Felton Road Wines Ltd, in Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand, has planted some of the world's southernmost vineyards. The expression, growing on the edge, has real meaning in Central Otago, with the lowest rainfall and lowest temperatures of any agricultural region in New Zealand.
Felton Road ardently adheres to the philosophy that wine quality is determined in the vineyard. Every possible step is taken to ensure that grapes of outstanding quality are delivered to the winery.
From their first vintage in 1997, Felton Road wines flew straight to the top of everyone's score sheet, with praise such as Stunning Debut, Best New Winery, and Pinot Noir of the Year. Winemaker, Blair Walter attributes the high quality to the Central Otago distinct soil and climate, the north-facing hillside vineyard, and meticulous care of the vines, not mentioning his skill and wide experience as winemaker. In 2000, Nigel Greening purchased Felton Road having already established a firm interest in Central Otago Pinot Noir with his own Cornish Point Vineyard.
Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2019
Tasting Notes
Vinification
Mendoza clone Chardonnay from Block 2 was whole bunch pressed and flowed immediately (without settling) by gravity to barrel in the underground cellar.
Maturation
Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in French oak (no new oak) was followed by a long and complete malolactic over the spring and summer. After 17 months in barrel the wine was racked to tank for bottling in early-August 2016.
Palate
Classic citrus flowers and zest, very linear and single minded. This is a clue to the palate; a shockwave of citrus and stone, with laser sharp focus, only allowing the hints of nuts and toast to show through a long, long finish. Texturally the wine is full but kept tight with a fine minerality and immense precision.
Vintage Notes
Following an unusually wet and significantly warmer winter than usual, the heightened soil moisture and mild conditions gave rise to an early bud burst followed by even and rapid early season growth. October saw some sleepless nights for the vineyard team with low-lying snow keeping the threat of frost ever present. A mixture of good fortune and careful management of inter-row crops kept the threat at bay. After a warm and unseasonably calm and dry November, flowering and fruit set was early and occurred in excellent conditions.
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