The 2018 Bannockburn Pinot Noir shows signs of development, it is densely packed and powerful on the nose, with myriad of red fruits, exotic spice and peppercorns. In the mouth, the wine is spicy, exciting and full, with ripe fruit through the finish and a lick of raw cocoa. Supple and satisfying, this is a very good, consistent wine. Verging on lusty, it does show some restraint.

100% Pinot Noir, sourced from four vineyards in the Bannockburn subregion - 20% whole cluster fermentation, Native yeast fermentation - Aged for 13 months in French oak (25% new), no fining or filtering

Felton Road, Central Otago - Biodynamic

In the words of Felton Road Team:

'Considerable research by Stewart Elms in 1991 identified the north facing slopes at the end of Felton Road, Bannockburn as being one of the warmest and most ideal sites in Central Otago for the growing and production of premium wine. Heat summation data and soil maps of the area, developed as a result of the construction of the Clyde Dam, were helpful in this decision. The three different soils identified are free draining with low fertility characteristics, and combined with the unique climate, are ideal for the production of premium quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Our vineyards are managed by our own viticulturist, Gareth King, and his team of dedicated staff. Meticulous summer management of a single vertical shoot positioned (VSP) canopy ensures even and early fruit maturity. Shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf plucking and bunch thinning are all carried out by hand as required, to ensure optimum quality fruit. We have inter-row planting of various different cover crops in order to assist in controlling vine vigour, improve soil health and general biodiversity.

Mulch is also used in drier parts of the vineyard to help retain moisture, minimise the requirement for irrigation and to balance areas of lighter, more free draining soils. Organic compost is made utilising the winery waste, and organic cow manure and straw.

Since 2002 the vineyards have been managed organically and biodynamically. In 2010 all four vineyards were awarded full Demeter certification and in 2020 they were all also certified by BioGro. Pruning is carried out to leave desired bud numbers thus ensuring moderate controllable yields and to create an even, light penetrable canopy. Irrigation is usually necessary during the later dry summer months. Soil moisture levels are carefully monitored and water is applied only when necessary to maintain appropriate soil moisture levels. All grapes are carefully hand picked, keeping separate any quality differences within blocks due to clones, rootstocks and viticultural trials.'

New Zealand

Felton Road, Pinot Noir Bannockburn 2018 - Central Otago, New Zealand