Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

If this was poured blind, 95% of all Somm’s would call it Burgundy. For me this is better than white Burgundy as it is far less expensive than Premier Cru or Grand Cu Burgundy and just as good.

A bit tricky to find and this was in the higher $40 range. When I can find it, I generally get six.

Still a bit young, but gorgeous.

Central Otago still had the long even cool climate that is slowly escaping Burgundy, which is key for excellent acidity.

The body round and a touch waxy. Mildly Meyer sour lemons, lime pulp, green apple, some white stone fruit, pineapple, caramel, honey comb, limestone, sea spray, almond sliver’s, butterscotch, soft volcanic mineral powder, hints of gun flint, dry river stone, yellow & white flowers, excellent acidity, beautiful structure/tension, endless balance with an elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and long sets on white spice.

Photos of; the Felton Road property and my walk of it with owner Nigel Greening. — 21 hours ago

Elle Scorcho

9.0

Beautiful wine! On first sip I thought it might be a bit past its prime (it’d been Coravin-ed), but with my spaghetti it’s absolutely incredible (surprisingly). Notes of milk chocolate, subtle raspberry & blackberry, and a smooth ash & tar finish. Gets dustier and drier on its own. — 3 months ago

KP

9.0

Super translucent. Bright nose. Very mellow on the palate. Low tannins. Short finish. Cool it down and it’s a nice easy drinker for summer nights. — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Unmistakably Central Otago to my palate. Red plums and raspberries. 20% of the grapes were whole bunch. Also aged in 27% new oak. I must mention Neil Martin’s famous Quote, “ Whenever there is a tasting designed to challenge the supremacy of Burgundy, it is usually Felton Road that is ushered into the ring”. Very much on allocation these days and can be difficult to source. — 5 months ago

Magnus Hovet

9.2

Really smooth. A lot more dark plums, and softer tannins. Earthiness, small amount of spice and looong aftertaste — 7 months ago

Chris Blanchard

9.1

2023 vintage - it opened brighter than expected with bold ripe flavors and more fruit forward than expected. It was a nice surprise. After 30 minutes the flavors balanced a bit and tasted less bright and fruity and more balanced. The wife and I enjoyed the bottle. — 9 months ago

Erin Tompkins

9.7

From Nancy’s moving party. Opened for a 46th Birthday celebration. Delicious as always. Slightly more fruity than expected. — 13 days ago

Brian Montgomery

9.1

Fruit forward with super clean finish — 2 months ago

with Jessica

Tracy Byrnes

9.1

Vibrant acidity, citrus and melon. Refreshing on a hot summer day! — 3 months ago

Miguel Jaimes

9.5

I’m getting it again. — 5 months ago

Big Wave Dave

9.6

Outstanding block 5. Much more concentration and power than precious vintages. Strawberry, raspberry, pepper, wood spice. The power of the very best from Central Otago but with an elegance.
Really great pinot.
— 5 months ago

David Dorn

9.2

Bug wine and first Tempranillo outside of Spain I’ve had- really good stuff! — 7 months ago

Ryan Colthorp

9.0

Super dark. Cocoa and baking spice on the nose. Plum. Stewed fruits. — 9 months ago

Teresa Teixeira

9.6

2021 not to dry perfect — 4 years ago

Paul J

9.6

Nearing the end of Rose season. This always rocks! I love aged Rose. See previous notes on previous vintages. — 2 months ago

with Brooke

Des Adams

10

Project pinked Gala wine pull — 2 months ago

Irish MASMS

9.4

Hey, a non mineral unoaked chardonnay
Some sweetness, fruity, grape flavor — 3 months ago

Steve Somermeyer

9.2

Opened a bottle 2 years ago & it was excellent but a bit of tannin bite on finish. Today this bottle retained the fruit aromas & palate feel but it’s finish softened so I found it bit better. — 5 months ago

Paul J

9.6

Held its own versus the 2018 Schrader and 2022 VHR. My friend blind tasted all three, got them all, but it was a struggle. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Hopefully Delectable will allow me to write a complete note. Here we go ….
Dark Ruby with a crimson rim. Closed on the nose initially. Straight from the bottle - should have decanted it. Rich on the palate. Latent power with much to give. Dark cherry with dried herbs still to come with further cellaring. This is the first of 5 bottles. In the early days Block 3 was the undisputed best Pinot in NZ but now Block 5 is considered along with other contenders from around NZ. Have the next one in a year. Many good judges think this is the best ever Block 3 up to this point. — 7 months ago