Felton Road Central Otago MacMuir Pinot Noir 2021

Felton Road are one of New Zealand's greatest wineries, crafting superb single vineyard Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay from their holdings in Central Otago. Their MacMuir bottling displays a distinctively deep fruited character alongside the characteristic dark chocolate note that has become characteristic of the first few bottlings from MacMuir. The palate is typically bold: deep, distinguished, and best put away for a few years ageing. The heavy soils of MacMuir contribute to the alluring texture and depth of tannins, completely countering its younger vine origins. 

95/100 - Bright cherry juiciness on the nose comes with notes of crushed red and black berries, followed by toast and pepper. The palate redoubles on this spiciness and comes with firm but fine tannins that makes this come across as muscular and bold. This needs bottle age. The first release of this vineyard and the wine spent 13 months in French oak of which a quarter was new. - Anne Krebiehl MW, Decanter

95/100 - A dense and centrally focused red with a solid core of fruit with a ripeness and intensity. Lots of fruit. Round and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Juicy and flavorful. Yet closes up at the end, A new single vineyard pinot from here. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2024. Screw cap. - James Suckling

93/100 - The 2021 MacMuir Pinot Noir is the first vintage of this wine. The vineyard is on Felton Road to the west of the Calvert Vineyard and on heavy silt soils. On the seductive and gently reductive nose, there are pomegranate pearls, barley, cherry, poached strawberry, rosehip tea and earthy sweetness. In the mouth, the wine is excellent, full and firm but long and unfurling. A ripe finish gives breadth and intensity. There’s lots going on, and this is a worthy addition to the Felton Road Pinot Noir lineup. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate

17.5/20 - Dark crimson. Very reticent nose but suggests there’s lots under there. A finesse of texture plus acidity compensates well for the high alcohol. Savoury note on the end makes this very appetising. Probably worth keeping for a year or two. - Jancis Robinson MW