Felton Road

Owner, Nigel Greening along with Winemaker Blair Walters and viticulturist Gareth King have established Felton Road into one of the world’s iconic producers of Pinot Noir. Writer James Suckling goes as far as describing Felton Road as the “DRC of New Zealand”. Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design which started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. A strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (demeter certified) ensures that fruit arrives at the winery as pure as it can be, while the entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible. A commitment to hands off winemaking: gravity flow, wild yeasts, wild malo, an avoidance of fining and filtration all help preserve the wine's expression of its terroir. The result is Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which accurately express the authenticity and complexity of these unique vineyards.

The nose explodes with spring blossom supported by ripe pear and melon. Surprisingly softly textured through the mid-palate for a dry Riesling that’s initially all fruit. But the vibrant acidity and mineral characters quickly kick in, adding seriousness and bringing it to a lengthy and satisfying close.

Fantastic with oysters and scallops.

Riesling from Block 2 of The Elms vineyard was hand-picked then carefully whole bunch pressed, settled for 4 days before racking, then followed by a slow fermentation of 8 weeks with indigenous yeasts to almost complete dryness (5g/L RS). The wine rested on fine lees to build palate weight before bottling in early-September after minimal processing to preserve and highlight the delicate Riesling characters.