One of Central Otago’s best subregions is Bannockburn, home to mostly flat, expansive stretches of vineyards, which dot the landscape in between the native trees and shrubs that still inhabit the land. In fact, in Felton Road’s vineyards, they purposefully plant cover crops and wild flowers between their vines, as a biodynamic practice to create life and balance within the land. They keep a herd of goats nearby the vineyard and allow a flock of chickens to roam the rows, dropping their natural compost along the way. Practices like these fit right in with the remote wild-ness of this region. Along with his team, Lead Viticulturist Gareth King additionally replenishes the land and soil with organic compost made from cow manure and straw, and only waters the vines when absolutely necessary. During the growing season, they take a hands-on approach by shoot thinning and shoot positioning, followed by leaf plucking and then cluster plucking; this controls yields and increases flavor intensity. In utmost respect for the fruit, they pick the grapes by hand when they are ripe. Since this region possesses an ideal climate for growing Pinot Noir, upon harvest, the grapes retain beautiful acidity, amazing concentration of flavor and incredible complexity. The Felton Road team has absolutely perfected their minimalist approach, ensuring the health and quality of their vines. In return, they harvest flawless fruit and have received great respect from those around the world in the wine industry. If you lined up the best Pinot Noirs from around the world in a blind tasting, Felton Road’s wine would not be out of place.

In the cellar, Winemaker Blair Walter practices gravity flow winemaking, ferments with only indigenous yeasts, ages the wine in French Burgundy barrels from artisan coopers, then bottled without fining or filtration. The 2013 Bannockburn Pinot Noir is pure and delicious—everything great lovers of Red Burgundy crave in this coveted varietal. I will note that the 2013 vintage was slightly warmer than typical years for Central Otago; the result of this is that the wine has impeccable richness and depth, with desirable fruit flavors. Though don’t get me wrong, because this Pinot Noir simultaneously possess that elegant rusticity and clarity of terroir that we all love in great Red Burgundy. The final wine is a tantalizing blend of three of Felton Road’s vineyard sites, and I believe it beautifully illustrates the region’s potential as one of the premier locations for Pinot Noir production outside of Burgundy.