The
wines of Felton
Road, Central Otago
UK
agent: Winesource (01225 783007)
Editor's
note: see a more recent
review, based on a visit in January 2010
Winemaker
Blair Walter is making some of New Zealand’s most sought after
Pinot Noir from vineyards in the southerly region of Central
Otago [aside, this is known by the locals simply as 'Central',
and Otago is pronounce o-tarr-go]. Felton Road’s vineyards
were planted as recently 1992, and three new local vineyards
have now been planted at Cornish Point, Drystone Vineyard and
The Sluicings. Central is very much an upcoming region
although people originally assumed it would just be too cold for
viticulture here.
Felton
Road Dry Riesling 2001, Central Otago
Pale in colour. Very bright aromatic nose with some complex
citrus notes. Lovely intense crisp, fresh palate finishes dry.
Very expressive in a lighter style. This is impressive: focused
and crisp. Very good/excellent
Felton
Road Chardonnay 2001, Central Otago
Unoaked. Distinctive forward fruity nose with a pronounced
herbal/tinned peas edge. The fresh full flavoured palate shows
more of this herbal character. Interesting, but a bit odd.
Good/very good
Felton
Road Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2000 Central Otago
Pale yellow/gold colour. Distinctive, intense nose with some
subtle nutty/toasty notes and a herbal edge. Not at all
overoaked. The palate is rich with some fruity, herbal notes and
a big texture. Interesting: savoury and rich. Very good+
Felton
Road Pinot Noir 2000, Central Otago
Deep red/purple colour. Intense nose showing vibrant cherry
fruit with rich savoury herbal undertones; quite complex. Rich
juicy palate with a nice herbal complexity to the bright fruit.
In a new world style, but not at all jammy. Very good/excellent
(c. £18)
Felton
Road Pinot Noir ‘Block 5’ 2000, Central Otago
Deep red/purple, verging towards black. Intense nose shows
medicinal/herbal complexity, some cherry/berry fruit and a touch
of spice. Juicy, concentrated palate is intense with a spicy
edge and good acidity. Savoury and quite fresh. Quite a powerful
wine but still varietally true. Very good/excellent (c. £25)
Cornish
Point Pinot Gris 2000, Central Otago
Quite deep coloured. Striking nose with smoky, grapey Pinot
Gris character along with a herbal/tinned pea note. Rich
textured grapey/bacon fat palate. Plenty of interest and
finishes dry. Very good
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