2007 Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 3

From the Elms Vineyard in Bannockburn. Mid crimson. Rather simple and jagged on the nose. Masses of acidity and some greenness. Maybe Chile’s greenness suits Pinot Noir? Very light. This could be NZ! [tasted blind – see Who makes the best Pinot Noir? ] (JR)

The beguiling 2007 Block 5 Pinot Noir has a lovely nose with Felton’s trademark purity and finesse: succinct redcurrant, raspberry and wild strawberry aromas swelling in the glass with a slight clayey earthy undertow. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very approachable with superb balance. It may lack the weight and ambition of the 2006, but it compensates with femininity and refinement. I met proprietor Nigel Greening in London back in 2008 for a first peek at his new releases just before he moved permanently to New Zealand and then re-tasted some of the wines in Central Otago during the Pinot Noir Celebration and again at regional tastings. As expected, winemaker Blair Walter continues to produce a very Burgundian style of Pinot Noir that prioritizes elegance and finesse over power and concentration. Although their Pinot Noirs hog the limelight (deservedly so), their excellent Chardonnay and Rieslings should not be ignored. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd., St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661; fax (707) 963-8566.

Bottled May. (Flavour comes earlier – smaller bunches and smaller berries on these single block older vines.) Complex, savoury nose. Reasonably elegant and fragrant and not especially sweet or berry-like. Fine-boned, lots of acidity and raciness. (JR)