felton road block 3 pinot noir 2021

felton road is new zealand's most prized estate for its pinot noir, a grape variety particularly well suited to this continental climate. the estate's first vineyard, elms, was selected and cultivated by stewart elms in 1991. today, 14 hectares are cultivated, half of which are pinot noir, the rest being chardonnay and riesling. another 8 hectares of vineyards, entirely dedicated to pinot noir, are located at cornish point, near bannockburn. the vineyard is designed to allow separate vinification of each plot, so it is a real laboratory for pinot noir. finally, a neighboring vineyard, calvert, is also dedicated to pinot noir. the head winemaker, blair walter, has studied and worked in oregon, australia, california, burgundy and new zealand. his philosophy is in line with biodynamics, the estate's method of farming: "the fruit should speak for itself: gentle handling, very little intervention, we help the wine express itself as it is, rather than artificially molding it to our will," he says. felton road block 3 pinot noir 2021 is incredibly transparent on the palate, drawing you in to the chocolate that lies beneath the surface. the tannins are surprisingly svelte and perfectly formed. all the power is focussed on the back of the palate, as it should be. by the time you’ve got there, you know you are in the presence of a serious wine.