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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noirtext
96POINTS
18½/20

Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019

Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandFelton Road is not just one of New Zealand's most highly regarded wineries, it's in the top percentile globally. Their viticulture is 100% organic and biodynamic, fully certified by Demeter and BioGro. The 2019 Bannockburn Pinot has a magical aroma of raspberries and cherries scented with wild thyme and damp earth. The wine is supremely well-balanced, with the sleek, plush texture of lavishly ripe pinot noir. Energetic fruit and tannins are beautifully integrated with refreshing and uplifting fine acids on the palate. The final impression is all about texture and shape in classic Felton Road fashion: curved, velvety, and luxurious. The wine has an immensely satisfying and long-lasting finish, complex and tasty beyond belief. Bannockburn is a blend of all the Felton vineyards, and each of them has a strong voice in this wine. Cornish Point brings black fruit, velvety texture, hedonistic aromatics and chocolatey tannins; Calvert offers the density of clay soils and vivid red fruit; Block 5's stern tannins are borne of even harder clay soils; Block 3 brings crushed herbs, fine tannins, and tapering length courtesy of Felton's oldest vines (27 years as of 2019). A rather wet vintage bookended by frosts, this was not the easiest year (double the normal amount of rain), but lower yields have increased concentration. Decant and let stand for 30 minutes to awaken this young superstar (and try to drink it slowly over several hours) or cellar for 8-10 years. Duck, lamb chops, or grilled salmon are excellent pairings.Tasted: 06 December 2021Tasted by: DJ KearneyPrices:
BC$84.99750mlspecialty listing
Producer: Felton RoadDistributors: Trialto Wine Group
Grape: Pinot NoirCSPC: 092155UPC: 9419593002604