Felton Road 'Bannockburn' Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand 2022

A Pioneer of Central Otago

Founded in 1991, Felton Road quickly rose to international acclaim as one of New Zealand’s benchmark producers of fine Pinot Noir. Nestled in Bannockburn, in the heart of Central Otago, the estate is dedicated to showcasing the dramatic terroir of the world’s southernmost winegrowing region. Today, under the direction of winemaker Blair Walter and proprietor Nigel Greening, Felton Road is celebrated globally for its uncompromising focus on terroir expression, sustainability, and quality.

Biodynamics and Respect for the Land

Since 2002, Felton Road has been farmed biodynamically and is certified by Demeter. Vineyards are treated as living ecosystems, where cover crops, composts, and natural preparations replace synthetic chemicals. Sheep graze between the vines, soils are cultivated to encourage biodiversity, and all vineyard work is done with an artisanal, hands-on approach. This dedication to natural farming ensures fruit of purity and energy, a hallmark of Felton Road’s style.

The Vineyards of Bannockburn

Felton Road’s holdings include the famed Elms Vineyard, first planted in 1992, as well as Cornish Point and Calvert. These sites, rooted in schist and loess soils, produce wines of distinctive minerality, intensity, and balance. Bannockburn’s extreme continental climate — hot days, cold nights, and long autumns — is ideal for Pinot Noir, while also yielding exceptional Chardonnay and Riesling.

Winemaking Philosophy: Minimal Intervention, Maximum Clarity

In the cellar, Felton Road follows a philosophy of minimal intervention. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermentations are spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, and oak use is carefully restrained. Gravity flow replaces pumping, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered, preserving natural texture and character. The result is wines of precision, elegance, and longevity.

Wines of Distinction

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  Pinot Noir: Felton Road’s flagship, with bottlings like Bannockburn, Calvert, and Block 5 among the most acclaimed New World Pinots.
  
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  Chardonnay: Rich yet taut, with citrus and mineral definition reminiscent of fine Burgundy.
  
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  Riesling: Ranging from bone-dry to medium-dry, showing crystalline fruit and electric acidity.
  

Why Felton Road Matters Today

Felton Road stands at the intersection of fine wine and natural, artisanal practice. A family-scale estate with global influence, it has proven that Central Otago belongs among the world’s great terroirs. Their commitment to biodynamics, minimal intervention, and site transparency has made Felton Road a touchstone for drinkers seeking wines that are not only world-class but also sustainable and authentic.