Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2023

Drink now through to 2030. No need to decant before serving. Founded by Stewart Elms in the early 1990s, Felton Road has rapidly become a byword for top quality New Zealand Pinot Noir. The estate is now in the capable hands of owner Nigel Greening who has made it his mission to improve quality even further by using biodynamic practices in the vineyard and learning to adapt to Central Otago’s unique terroir. The 4.6 hectare Calvert vineyard is one of Felton Road’s prized single vineyard sites. Set on a gentle slope facing northeast, the site was planted in 2001 and is known for its consistency of fruit with rich dark berry flavours and fine tannins. In the winery Greening prefers to adopt a minimal intervention approach, using wild yeasts for fermentation and no filtering or fining. Their Calvert Pinot opens with enchanting floral hints and bright red cherry and plums along with complex layers of dried herbs and spice. The first sip offers a fresh acidity balanced by a medium body and silky smooth texture. The finish is long and refined with luscious red berry flavours which linger on the tongue and lightly spiced hints from the 16 months of barrel ageing. A great choice to cellar for a few more years or enjoy now alongside duck, game or tomato-based pasta dishes.