2007 Felton Road Pinot Noir Central Otago
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Tasting notes
Cool wet spring and small crop. Warm summer and quite early harvest. Originally considered a benchmark vintage but nowadays they don't like the lack of phenolic ripeness in these warm years. The long harvest means there are some green tannins and overripe fruit giving a sweet and sour character. Bright ruby medium intensity. Fairly light but very convincing nose that says burgundy pretty strongly compared with most New Zealand Pinots. Light compost and autumnal leaves with a undertow of tertiary fruit. Good acidity and quite jewelly fruit but if anything a little suppressed – big contrast with the Cornish Point norm. Maybe losing a bit of vitality? (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The ensuing 2007 Pinot Noir has a very elegant, understated nose that takes time to peek its head over the horizon. At first, simple strawberry and dark cherry fruit but there is a subtle touch of undergrowth and charcoal. Good definition. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, very harmonious with prudent, well integrated oak. Silky smooth and very pure on the finish, this is another classy Felton Road to cherish. I met proprietor Nigel Greening in London back in 2008 for a first peek at his new releases just before he moved permanently to New Zealand and then re-tasted some of the wines in Central Otago during the Pinot Noir Celebration and again at regional tastings. As expected, winemaker Blair Walter continues to produce a very Burgundian style of Pinot Noir that prioritizes elegance and finesse over power and concentration. Although their Pinot Noirs hog the limelight (deservedly so), their excellent Chardonnay and Rieslings should not be ignored. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd., St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661; fax (707) 963-8566.
Good deep red. Lovely high-pitched aromas and flavors of raspberry, orange peel, spices and flowers. At once sweet and penetrating, with bright acidity framing the wine's ripe flavors and giving it terrific Chambolle-like precision. Finishes with enticing floral and spicy perfume. Remarkably good for a basic pinot release.