Felton Road Central Otago Block 5 Pinot Noir 2022

The vivacious character of the 2022 vintage leads the intense nose of dark florals, black cherry and an array of classic Central Otago spice and dried herbs. The flavours are again classic with plentiful diversity and complexity. It’s incredibly seamless and finely poised already, but the tannins are there, svelte and integrated, waiting patiently in the background for the long haul. A chic and sophisticated Block 5.

95/100 - The 2022 Block 5 Pinot Noir leads with pronounced oak on the nose, but it’s a gently dusty, raw cocoa, sandalwood sort of character and does not overwhelm the fruit. In the mouth, the fruit is spicy and full, and it behaves in a most attractive fashion. The wine enters gently and plumes through the mid-palate and finish for an expansive, voluminous experience. A wonderful wine, clearly with the most pronounced presence in the line-up of 2022 Pinots in front of me today. Excellent. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate

95/100 - Rose-scented intensity plays on a creamy and fragrant nose. More air brings highlights of redcurrant juiciness. The palate is bright, beautifully dense, with fine, tart red fruit enfolded in a silky web of ever-so-slightly astringent tannins, dusty but so fine. A serene display of pure, tart, red fruit, profound, tender, superbly aromatic and elegant. The finesse of Bannockburn is at its height here, from a clay-rich seam running through this block. - Anne Krebiehl MW, Decanter

97/100 - There is an opulence and intensity here yet it remains fresh and vivid with orange peel and ripe strawberry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with firm and racy tannins that give it tension and focus. Clear and naked in so many ways giving it a clarity that is appreciated. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Better in two or three years. Screw cap. - James Suckling