2020 Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 5
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Block 5 Pinot Noir is a gorgeous wine, with nettles and flowers, woodsy spices and ductile tannin. This is a wine of power and finesse hand in hand, and I really appreciate the way it extends out through the finish. The subtle reduction notes that play out on the nose weave into the palate and contribute notions of forest floor, peat and fresh spice and emphasize the succulent register of fruit. This vintage looks eminently more impressive than the last time I tasted it, and I liked it well then. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 2020 was the COVID-19 vintage, and it was a very cold vintage. It was the latest harvest of Block 5 that has happened thus far.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Pinot Noir Block 5 offers up a mouthful of gorgeous Pinot Noir that's perfectly ripe without being overripe, blossoming in the mouth but retaining focus and shape as if it is wearing a pair of control pants. It's a wine that’s at ease with itself, offering rich red berries, fruitcake, festive spices and a subtle floral lift. There are plentiful tannins – in the context of Pinot Noir – and they coat the mouth like melted chocolate, making you want to lick your lips long after drinking. Overall, a finely balanced wine that has captured power and seduction in the same package. Lengthy, brooding finish.
Vibrant and a bit more lively and intense than the Block 3. Very long and a peacock’s tail on the appetisingly dry finish. (JR)