2019 Felton Road Pinot Noir Bannockburn

The blended wine—Felton Road's 2019 Pinot Noir—includes components from four vineyards. It ended up comprising 20% whole clusters, with 27% of the blend matured in new oak. Scents of cedar and wintergreen accent black cherries and blackberries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate adds some cola-like notes. For all the "dark" flavors, it's lively and vibrant, supported by silky-textured tannins and mouthwatering acidity on the long finish.

There's a sense of ease to this ripe yet elegant Pinot. It has a fluidity as it flows along the palate, offering cherry, raspberry and floral aromas. A portion of whole cluster fruit has created additional layers of woody herbs and spice. There's almost 30% new oak, but the fruit, sourced from four vineyards, absorbs it easily. The tannins coat the mouth, providing a pleasing clasp with their fine, chalky veil. While this might be Felton Road's “entry-level” Pinot Noir, there's plenty of seriousness here.

Full bottle 1,165 g. Fruit from the Elms, MacMuir, Cornish Point and Calvert vineyards with vine age between seven and 27 years. 20% whole cluster. 13 months' élevage in 27% new oak. Healthy mid garnet and beguilingly scented. I have to say that when I unscrewed these five bottles of Felton Road Pinot the most appetising, luscious perfume of Pinot scented the air – which doesn't always happen by any means. I've been tasting a lot of 2019 red burgundy and this phenomenon was rare. Great balance of fruit and acidity – though perhaps the acidity is just slightly winning. Light chalky texture on the finish. An appetising wine whose only shortcoming is a slight lack of any compelling undertow but very nicely judged with just a light violet note. (JR)