Felton Road release excellent 2023s

Central Otago’s Felton Road is doing more than anyone else we know to produce stellar wines whilst minimising its impact on the environment – through biodynamic farming, reducing bottle weights and using 100% electric vehicles in its operations, to name just a few initiatives.

The latest set of releases is from the thrilling 2023 vintage, amongst the cooler register of recent years – and so compelling for it. A healthy season with minimal disease pressure, the year started off warmer than usual and could have pointed to a hot and early vintage. Thankfully, conditions were calmed down by rains in February and March, with cooler night temperatures arresting ripening for more slow and steady development – a prerequisite for top quality Pinot Noir.

The resulting wines are captivating – beautifully bright and agile whilst offering excellent levels of intensity and finessed structures that complement the fruit. A vintage that recalls the brilliant 2021, more than the rounded and powerful 2022s, the iridescent 2023s will offer great pleasure in their youth but boast all of the elements to suggest very good ageing potential.