Pinot Noir
75cl * Vegan * Organic * Biodynamic * 14% ABV * Central Otago, New Zealand
We are incredibly lucky to have a small allocation of 2022 Cornish Point Pinot Noir from legendary New Zealand estate Felton Road.
Situated slap-bang in the "vinous sweet spot" of Bannockburn in the world’s most southerly winemaking region, Felton Road’s story began with meticulous site selection and vineyard design by Stewart Elms in 1991. Nigel Greening, a self-described Pinot Noir addict from Devon, sold his British film production company to plant the Cornish Point Vineyard then purchased Felton Road from Elms in 2000.
Nigel kept the team in place and together with winemaker Blair Walter and viticulturalist Gareth King, the team promptly embarked on full estate conversion to organic in 2002 and then to biodynamic farming, gaining a Demeter certification for all its vineyards in 2010. They believe that growth by its own definition is unsustainable and early on Nigel decided that Felton Road would never grow beyond 400 barrels (150,000 bottles). The entire estate totals just 34 hectares across four vineyards, however within this area there are multiple pockets of microclimates and 10 different soil types alone along the 3km length of Felton Road. To preserve the wine's expression of its terroir, the entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible, working with nature using organic treatments, manure and plant cover crops to ensure natural bio-diversity in the vineyards. Low yields are achieved through hand pruning and all picking takes place by hand. In the cellars Burgundian barrels are used for the oak-aged wines and bottling takes place without fining or filtration. A gentle, minimal intervention approach to winemaking is assisted by a three-level gravity-flow winery alongside wild yeast and natural malolactic fermentation.
How can one not love that instant bath of flowers, fruits and spice that this wine delivers? No holding back, no reticence at all, just a wash of Cornish Point indulgence - all leading to a flowing silky finish. Through the entire palate there is a gentle mineral seam that stops anything from tipping over into excess, so it seduces rather than hollers. There will be no lack of complexity to come for those with patience, but it is very hard to resist now.
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2035
"First impression is of a seductively light wine that quickly builds greater intensity revealing a medley of floral, fruit and spice flavours wrapped around a core of sweet tannins and fruity acidity that lingers tantalisingly on a lengthy finish. Supple wine with a silken texture." 95 Points, Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
* Discounts will not be applied as irreplaceable stock *