2023 Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 750ml

Vineyard notes: "Since 2002, the vineyards have been managed organically and biodynamically. In 2010, all four vineyards were awarded full Demeter certification, and in 2020 they were all also certified by BioGro. Pruning is carried out to leave desired bud numbers, thus ensuring moderate controllable yields and creating an even, light penetrable canopy. Irrigation is usually necessary during the later, dry summer months. Soil moisture levels are carefully monitored, and water is applied only when necessary to maintain appropriate soil moisture levels. All grapes are carefully hand picked, keeping separate any quality differences within blocks due to clones, rootstocks, and viticultural trials." Winemaking 25% of the fruit was retained as whole clusters, with the remainder carefully de-stemmed directly to the fermenters by gravity without harsh pumping. Long pre-fermentation soaks of 8-10 days prior to fermentation with indigenous yeasts and punched down by hand up to three times per day with a total time on skins of 21-23 days. Pressed off and barrels filled immediately by gravity to the underground barrel cellars. Ageing The wine spent 17 months in barrel (35% new French) with two rackings and no fining or filtration.   Region: Bannockburn, New Zealand Red: bold and Structured Expert tasting note: "Medium red in colour with a slight purple note at the rim. Elegant, sophisticated aromas seamlessly combine refined, jammy, red-fruit (raspberry, red-cherry) perfume with vanilla chocolate & sweet spice notes. Fresh, mouth-watering acidity lifts plumy red-fruit & mulberry flavors. The texture is incredibly fine, silky, & chocolatey. The palate is rich & rounded with warming alcohol balanced by the fruit. The finish is long & wonderfully harmonious." - 02/21 DCAMW Drinking Window: 2026-2039