Felton Road, Central Otago, New Zealand
Felton Road Wines Ltd, in Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand, has planted some of the world's southernmost vineyards. The expression, growing on the edge, has real meaning in Central Otago, with the lowest rainfall and lowest temperatures of any agricultural region in New Zealand.
Felton Road ardently adheres to the philosophy that wine quality is determined in the vineyard. Every possible step is taken to ensure that grapes of outstanding quality are delivered to the winery.
From their first vintage in 1997, Felton Road wines flew straight to the top of everyone's score sheet, with praise such as Stunning Debut, Best New Winery, and Pinot Noir of the Year. Winemaker, Blair Walter attributes the high quality to the Central Otago distinct soil and climate, the north-facing hillside vineyard, and meticulous care of the vines, not mentioning his skill and wide experience as winemaker. In 2000, Nigel Greening purchased Felton Road having already established a firm interest in Central Otago Pinot Noir with his own Cornish Point Vineyard.
Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay 2025
This is one for chardonnay connoisseurs. Felton Road has something of a cult status thanks to their dedication to sustainability and their ability to continually deliver award winning wines. This chardonnay ticks all the boxes. It’s impeccably put together with floral, hazelnut and white peach aromas leading to delicate lemon zest and mineral flavours. It’s textural, full, fresh and clean. Team up with salmon or swordfish dishes.
Tasting Notes
Vinification
Various clones of Chardonnay were carefully hand harvested in late March and early April from Cornish Point and The Elms vineyards. The grapes were whole bunch pressed with the juice immediately flowing to barrel by gravity with no settling.
Maturation
Fermentation in French oak (mostly well-seasoned barrels) with indigenous yeasts has produced a wine with considerable complexity. A long and complete indigenous malolactic fermentation with only periodic stirring of the lees (Batonnage) combined with 12 months on full lees; has softened the acid for a rich and complex mouthfeel.
Aroma
Aromas of citrus blossom, crushed stones, white peach and elderflower.
Palate
The palate is almost completely filled with the characteristic salty minerality. Delicate and fine, not heavy nor complicated with wood or winemaking, it carries a lovely transparency and finesse. There’s no shortage of flavour here, but it is ethereal - it dances on the palate, then finishes with great purity and length.
Vintage Notes
El Nino conditions provided westerlies and early warmth, which combined with high soil-moisture, pushed an early bud-burst and vibrant growth. Temperatures rose rapidly towards flowering with moisture-wicking wind conditions keeping growth in check. December brought extreme diurnal swings the likes of which we are not accustomed to seeing so early in the season; afternoon highs in the low thirties balanced by single-figures overnight. The diurnal pattern continued through January with a full 30°C swing on January 11th. Overnight temperatures then became warmer than normal with scattered rain events offering some relief for desiccated soils. Veraison was early with a rapid onset but prolonged completion. Peak temperatures dropped away as high diurnals returned, offering a balancing tension and finesse after the welcome but unusual early season warmth. Chardonnay picking began on March 22nd and was completed on April 3.
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