Felton Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
"The 2007 vintage was strongly affected by the cool spring weather with many frost events which fortunately we were able to successfully fight. While we can fight frosts, we can’t do anything about the cool weather during flowering and the very cool December of 2006 affected the flowering and resulted in a smaller than average crop (around 25% down). Some very warm temperatures in early February resulted in signs of vine stress around the region but again the moderating platform provided by the organic and biodynamic viticultural programme minimised the affect on our vineyards. A warm and dry March combined with the lighter than normal crops meant the fruit ripened easier and earlier than expected after such a cool start to the season.
A very floral, perfumed Pinot Noir nose: fruit, violets, spice and bramble, with nothing in excess.Creamy and weighty across the mid-palate, flowing and juicy with just enough dusty tannins to compliment a dark finish with hints of espresso and chocolate. The 2007 Pinot Noirs are wines of unmatched concentration and rich complexity without losing any purity or finesse. They combine the ripeness of the 06’s with the concentration of the 05’s adding a certain extra magic that is unique to this vintage. In short we see them as landmark wines – perhaps the ultimate expression for a Felton Road Pinot Noir. Good depth and length will allow the wine to age grace fully for up to 5+ years. Soft tannins contribute to a long silky finish allowing the wine to also be enjoyed in its youth." Blair Walter, Winemaker
The barrel samples of Pinot tasted at the likes of Seresin and Felton Road looked very fresh with good structure and fruit concentration. Neil Martin, The Wine Advocate.
Felton Road Wines Ltd, in Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand, has planted some of the world's southernmost vineyards. The expression, growing on the edge, has real meaning in Central Otago, with the lowest rainfall and lowest
Daring to test the limits of viticulture, Stewart Elms completed a postgraduate degree in Viticulture and Wine Science at Lincoln University and proceeded to research vineyard sites in Central Otago. In 1991 Elms selected the north-facing slopes at the end of Felton Road, home to a few sheep, rabbits, sweet briar and wild thyme. Three different soil types were identified, all with low fertility and natural drainage. Planting began the following year, and by 1994 twelve hectares had been cleared and planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Felton Road ardently adheres to the philosophy that wine quality is determined in the vineyard. Every possible step is taken to ensure that grapes of outstanding quality are delivered to the winery. Blair Walter studied at Lincoln University and Oregon State University, worked in New Zealand, Australia, Oregon (Sokol Blosser), Napa (Newton Vineyards), and Burgundy before coming to Felton Road in 1996. Blair is a perfectionist and a purist when it comes to his wine.
The fairy tale story of Felton Road began in 1997 when grape grower Stuart Elms decided to discontinue selling his grapes to Gibbston Valley and to build a winery. He secured the services of a young but immensely well-credentialled flying winemaker Blair
A wine which immediately shows how much Blair Walter has learnt about handling Pinot Noir. Certainly, the vineyard site is a very good one, but - contrary to public belief - Pinot Noir like this does not come off the vines ready for bottling. Winepros
Both of Felton Road's Pinot Noirs are breakthrough efforts in New Zealand, and compete with the finest wines being made in California, Oregon and Burgundy's Cote D'Or." The Wine Advocate (issue 122) Robert M. Parker, Jr, U.S.A.
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