Felton Road is a name that resonates with wine enthusiasts around the world. It’s not just their exceptional wines that have garnered attention but also their philosophy, marketing strategy, and genuine humility. Consistently ranked in the Top 50 of The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands by Drinks International since 2017, Felton Road recently celebrated its 25th vintage, marking a milestone in their remarkable journey.

 

During my recent visit to Felton Road Winery, I had the pleasure of spending time with Blair Walter, the esteemed winemaker who has been with Felton Road since its inception. Blair’s humility and warmth were evident as we delved into the intricacies of their winemaking process. We started the day by tasting barrels from the upcoming 2022 vintage, which is set to be bottled soon. What struck me as different was Felton Road’s decision to leave the wines unbottled after the new vintage—a departure from the norm in the industry, it’s a luxurious practice that needless to get the barrels back for the new vintage production. Blair explained that this choice allows the wines to mature in the barrel for 15 months, adding complexity and depth to their Pinot Noir, also taking pressure off pre-vintage.

 

We delved into the specifics of Felton Road’s winemaking techniques, particularly their renowned Pinot Noir. Throughout their range, they maintain a consistent approach: 20-30% whole bunches, a 7-9 day cold soak, wild yeast fermentation, and spring malolactic fermentation (MLF). This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each bottle of Felton Road Pinot Noir showcases the true essence of their vineyards. All their Pinot Noir wines are bottled on-site, including the Bannockburn label, a blend of multiple single vineyards. Blair aptly described the Bannockburn Pinot Noir as an orchestra, where every instrument plays a complex piece of harmony, while the single block wines shine as soloists, each showcasing its own unique personality.

 

As a rule of thumb, I recommend aging Felton Road Pinot Noir for five years to fully unlock its potential. However, the 2022 vintage defies expectations, with wines already displaying brightness and incredible flavor. Though enjoyable now, cellaring for five years will undoubtedly enhance their character. The same optimism applies to the 2023 vintage, where timely rain during harvest did not pose a threat thanks to the favorable weather conditions earlier in the growing season.

 

Felton Road’s story began in 1991 when Stewart Elms planted the Elms Vineyard on Felton Road in Central Otago’s Bannockburn sub-region. Releasing their first commercial vintage in 1997, the winery has grown steadily over the years. Nigel Greening, the current owner, acquired Cornish Point Vineyard in 1998 and then purchased Felton Road, including the Elms Vineyard, Clavert Vineyard, and MacMuir Vineyard, in 2000. These vineyards, totaling 34 hectares, benefit from free-draining, low-fertility soils and a unique climate, making them ideal for producing premium quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

 

What truly sets Felton Road apart is their commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. Since 2002, all their vineyards have been managed with these principles in mind, leading to Demeter certification in 2010 and BioGro certification in 2020. Gareth King and his dedicated team meticulously tend to the vineyards, employing techniques such as hand shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf plucking, and bunch thinning to ensure optimum fruit quality. Inter-row planting of various cover crops contributes to controlling vine vigor, improving soil health, and enhancing biodiversity.

 

Nigel Greening, proprietor of Felton Road, a self-proclaimed Pinot Noir “addict” from England, plays an active role in building relationships with trade partners and sharing the story of Felton Road. Despite high demand, the winery has no intention of increasing production, creating a sense of exclusivity and value for their wines. Wine club members eagerly anticipate their allocation of a maximum of four bottles of the Block wine in each case order, further enhancing the desirability of these limited offerings.

 

During Felton Road’s 25th Vintage Celebration, loyal customers from around the world traveled to join in the festivities. The admiration and love for Blair and the Felton Road team were palpable as they were applauded for their achievements and for putting Central Otago on the world wine map as a top Pinot Noir producer.

 

Unlocking the secrets of Felton Road’s extraordinary winemaking is a journey that unveils the magic of their biodynamic vineyards. From the meticulous barrel aging process to the consistent approach to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir, Felton Road exemplifies the artistry and passion that go into creating world-class wines. Their story is one of dedication, integrity, and a commitment to producing wines that captivate the senses and touch the hearts of wine lovers worldwide.