Felton Road Vintage Release 2023

Felton Road 2023 Vintage Report: A Stellar Year for Central Otago Wines

The 2023 vintage from Felton Road represents a masterclass in balance, purity, and expression. The growing season set the stage for a slow, controlled harvest, allowing the fruit to reach optimal ripeness while maintaining complexity and finesse. Below is a breakdown of the standout wines from this vintage, covering both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Felton Road’s various blocks, including the Bannockburn Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as the single vineyard expressions from MacMuir, Calvert, Cornish Point, and the highly sought-after Block wines.

Growing Season & Vintage Conditions

The 2023 season began with a wet winter, which balanced out over the dry months that followed. Spring was relatively normal, with no significant frost issues, and flowering occurred on time despite being slightly delayed compared to previous years. Warm, dry conditions characterised December and January, which helped concentrate the fruit. The rain in late February provided much-needed relief, while cooler night temperatures in March allowed for a steady and measured ripening process. Harvest commenced on 23rd March, a week later than expected, but the slower development led to wines with remarkable intensity and balance.

Chardonnay

Bannockburn Chardonnay 2023

This wine is an expression of the Bannockburn terroir, showcasing the classic minerality and bright citrus that this region is known for. The 2023 Bannockburn Chardonnay delivers fresh acidity with notes of lemon zest, white peach, and subtle toasty oak. The long growing season has imparted a lovely depth and complexity to this wine, with a clean finish that speaks to the balance between fruit and acidity.

Block 2 Chardonnay 2023

The Block 2 Chardonnay is distinguished by its refined character and exceptional precision. The 2023 vintage reveals intense notes of citrus peel, white flowers, and flint. The palate is rich yet mineral-driven, with a creamy texture balanced by vibrant acidity. This is a complex, elegant wine that is built to age.

Block 6 Chardonnay 2023

Block 6 Chardonnay offers a richer, more opulent profile compared to Block 2. The 2023 vintage delivers aromas of ripe stone fruits, crème brûlée, and hints of hazelnut. A fuller-bodied style, yet retaining the vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of Felton Road’s Chardonnays, this wine will evolve beautifully in the bottle.

Pinot Noir

Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023

A quintessential Central Otago Pinot Noir, the Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023 is a harmonious blend of dark cherry, wild herbs, and subtle earthy notes. The palate is silky with fine tannins and a long, layered finish. The slow ripening conditions of 2023 allowed the wine to develop a beautiful concentration of flavours without losing freshness.

Block 3 Pinot Noir 2023

The Block 3 Pinot Noir is always one of the most sought-after wines from Felton Road, and the 2023 vintage lives up to expectations. It shows layers of dark fruit, spices, and savoury herbs with a structured yet elegant palate. The fine tannins and minerality provide a strong backbone, while the finish is long and complex, suggesting excellent ageing potential.

Block 5 Pinot Noir 2023

Block 5 Pinot Noir from 2023 delivers a slightly denser, more brooding style compared to Block 3. It’s a wine of power and intensity, with notes of blackberry, plum, and dried herbs. The tannins are finely grained but assertive, giving the wine a commanding presence. As always, this is a wine that will reward those who are patient enough to cellar it.

MacMuir Pinot Noir 2023

MacMuir Vineyard lies on a gentle north-facing slope, and the 2023 MacMuir Pinot Noir is characterised by its bright, floral aromatics and ripe dark fruits. The high-density planting and organic practices contribute to a wine that is both complex and elegant. On the palate, expect fine tannins, lively acidity, and a mineral-driven finish. This wine is a beautiful balance of power and finesse, with potential for great ageing.

Calvert Pinot Noir 2023

Calvert Vineyard consistently produces wines with a distinct minerality and fine tannic structure, and the 2023 vintage is no exception. Floral aromatics lead into a palate brimming with ripe dark fruits and a fine, focused texture. This is a wine of purity, with a sense of place that speaks to the unique soils and careful biodynamic farming of the vineyard.

Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2023

With its close proximity to water, Cornish Point Vineyard has a unique microclimate that minimises frost risk and promotes early ripening. The 2023 Cornish Point Pinot Noir is dense and dark, with a plush, inviting texture. The wine showcases warm fruit flavours and soft acidity, making it approachable in its youth but still layered and complex enough to age gracefully. Expect dark fruit flavours with a subtle floral lift and secondary notes of earth and spice.

Conclusion

The 2023 vintage at Felton Road has produced an outstanding collection of wines that reflect both the terroir and the winemaking expertise of this renowned Central Otago winery. From the elegant and mineral-driven Chardonnays to the structured and deeply complex Pinot Noirs, these wines embody the very best of what this region has to offer. Whether it's the precision of the Block wines or the inviting warmth of the single vineyard Pinot Noirs, each bottle from the 2023 vintage promises to be a memorable addition to any collection.

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