Felton Road 2019 - A new benchmark
30 September 2020
“The vintage is, we believe, a benchmark for us. The Bannockburn Pinot and Chardonnay both possess a level of concentration and complexity that are without precedent. The vintage strength runs right through the range and we feel excited to be able to offer such a vintage in these troubled times.”
These are the excited words of owner Nigel Greening, ones with which we wholeheartedly agree. These 2019s from Felton Road are, indeed, exceptional. Rare seasonal conditions, vine age and experience have all combined to produce what we feel is their best ever vintage. From top to bottom, red to white, these are the most intense wines Felton have produced, whilst also showing exquisite balance and proportion. Ripe fruits and fresh acidities, deep but kinetic flavours woven together by silky, but binding tannins, the 2019s make for a very compelling proposition. Read More
A season at first remarkable for its persistent rhythm of rain events throughout spring and early summer. Approaching double our long-term average, we never saw more than two weeks without significant precipitation. These wetter seasons however, are usually very welcome, as with our normally excessively dry climate, increased natural moisture is almost always positive for vine health and fruit quality. Heat summation for the season was slightly above normal with healthy green canopies and inter-rows right through to harvest. Maturity arrived rapidly and harvesting of Pinot Noir began on March 29, Chardonnay followed the day after and all the estate’s fruit was picked within a 12 day window; except for Block 1 Riesling harvested on April 17. Yields were naturally moderated and bunches were of perfect health across the board. The Pinot bunches had small, loosely packed berries with dense skins and ripe seeds. The Chardonnay berries offered bright, intense fruit and excellent acidity.
These wines listed below are in stock and available for immediate delivery. Please note single vineyard and single block wines are extremely limited and will need to be allocated. Preference will be given to those who buy across the range.