2017 Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 3
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Block 3 Pinot Noir reveals some slightly herbal notes on the nose, followed by ripe black cherry fruit, hints of dried spices and attractive earthy notes. It's medium-bodied and less tannic and extracted than early versions of the wine, as veteran winemaker Blair Walter has gradually moved toward gentler handing over the years, yet the wine remains flavorful, complex and long.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Bannockburn subregion. 25 years of age for the vines – the ‘ golden age’ – mostly on own roots. Only 20–30% whole-bunch, to avoid dominance of herbal character. 30% new French oak, and this is coming down as grape tannins are rising with vine maturity. Pale-mid ruby. Overt cinnamon and milk-chocolate oak. Black pepper, crushed rock and black-cherry fruit. Masculine. Powerful, intense blackberry, smoke, black pepper and crushed-rock palate, with toasty oak overtones. Ripe, quite firm tannins and fairly brisk acidity. Long, berry-fruit finish. Young and needs time to mellow. (TJ)
The 2017 Block 3 Pinot Noir has slightly darker fruit than the Block 5 and is initially sultry, but it only needs 30 minutes for the aromatics to gain intensity, revealing scents of black plum, raspberry, pressed iris and, like the 2016, just a hint of bergamot. The palate is very well structured yet undeniably approachable. Gentle in terms of grip, but there is genuine presence and satisfying length. Maybe the 2016 has more charm at the moment, but this follow-up feels almost crystalline towards the finish and urges you back for another sip. Just a wonderful Block 3.