Pinot Noir Block 3 2022

FELTON ROAD

Pinot Noir Block 3
2022

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
Country
New Zealand
Regulated designation
Table wine
Region
South Island
Subregion
Central Otago
Varietal(s)
Pinot Noir
Colour
Red
Producer's website

About this winery

Felton Road is an astonishing overnight success story. In just over 20 years Felton Road has become the global benchmark for New World pinot noir and has played a massive role in making Central Otago a new buzzword in the world of wine. Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter is an exceptional character, blessed equally with intellectual brilliance and extreme modesty. He is a captivating and insightful speaker, with the special ability to articulate complex ideas in such a way that they are made to...

See the FELTON ROAD detail page for more information on this brand

Press reviews

James Suckling

- 97 points -

October 2021

A perfumed nose of sour cherries, wild strawberries, cranberries, dried flowers, orange rind and baking spices. Medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity and fine tannins. Layered and harmonious, with a velvety texture and vibrant, lively character on the palate. Pure and flavorful, long finish. Very long. Give this three or four years to show its true greatness.

See detailed press review
James Halliday (Australian Wine Companion)

- 97 points -

November 2023 (Vintage 2022)

Complex and aromatic with flowers, strawberries, salt and perfume. Medium-bodied with very fine velvety tannins that give great length and presence. Very long and intense. Old vines planted in 1992. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Impressive to drink now but will age so beautifully.

See detailed press review
Cameron Douglas, MS

- 97 points -

July 2020

Wow! A very complex wine with subtle synergies of fruit and flowers, wood spices and flowers, soil and baking spice. The umami effect immediate and seductive. There’s no mistaking the primary fruit aromas as well with plum and dark cherry, dried raspberry then an array of baking spices and a touch of incense. On the palate - equally complex with textures capturing and amplifying the core of site with flowers then minerality with a seam of soil. Fine oak flavours of baking spice and mild toastiness. Fruit flavours mirror the nose, tannins are fine, chalky and abundant, acidity is medium+ keeping the palate fresh enhancing flavour. A very lengthy finish. A youthful wine with enormous promise.

See detailed press review
Decanter

- 97 points -

October 2022 (Vintage 2021)

A lovely note of raspberry leaf and peony petal floats above pure and tart notes of crushed blackberry on the nose while black pepper shimmers. The palate is wonderfully crunchy, has echoes of smoke and fine tannins. Red fruit peeks through on the midpalate while the finish echoes hauntingly with peony and pepper. 13 months in 25% new French oak barrels.

See detailed press review
James Suckling

- 97 points -

October 2022 (Vintage 2021)

So aromatic with fresh flowers and rose stems. Shows more whole cluster character than others. Full-bodied with layers of powdery tannins and fruit on the palate creating a gorgeous mouthfeel. Tinges of orange peel. Fine finish. The vines are now 29 years old. 

See detailed press review
Wine Spectator

- 96 points -

July 2023 (Vintage 2021)

Distinctive and elegant, with wild blueberry, huckleberry and cherry flavors that are well-spiced, plus star anise, cardamom, clove and creamy oolong tea accents. Reveals hints of milk chocolate and maraschino cherry that linger on the long, silky finish.

See detailed press review
Vinous

- 95 points -

April 2022 (Vintage 2020)

As tightly and intricately woven as a basket, the 2020 Pinot Noir Block 3 may be supple and inviting initially, but there's no mistaking its honed power and tightly knit style. It offers an array of aromatics, from lifted tones of violets, blueberry and woody herbs to black raspberries to the earthy, warming spices of French oak (30% new). Full of energy and a sense of urgency, thanks to its mouthwatering acidity, delivering assured tannic grip and long length.

See detailed press review