2023 Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay
$99.00
Considered by many as new Zealand’s benchmark Pinot Noir, Felton Road are renowned throughout the world for unblemished quality. Their philosophy is driven by sustainability and the wines are produced by way of biodynamic viticultural practices in harmony with their land, the stars and the moon.
The winery is three-tier gravity fed to accommodate a ‘hands off’ approach throughout these crucial stages of production. Minimal human intervention during the winemaking process allows the fruit to better express itself through the unique characteristics of its origins.
Pure grapefruit zest, citrus, stonefruit kernel, a hint of roasted nuts, all bound in
enlivening acid. The satisfying palate weight carries the acid completely without
effort; it just shrugs it off. Very clean, already showing some length, which will
no doubt build gracefully. A pleasing absence of oak notes…in fact a pleasing
absence of everything but essence of Chardonnay. A definite candidate for
benchmark.
-Blair Walter / Winemaker
FELTON ROAD WINES BANNOCKBURN CHARDONNAY 2023
97/100 FIVE STARS Drink: 2025-2036
Subtle notes of vanilla rice pudding and flint give way to floral and sweet herb aromas. The
palate, initially tight and firm, slowly opens up to reprise the bouquet along with layers of
white fruit, chalk and fine-boned pithy phenolics which all lie within a sleek, polished
structure. Elegant, detailed and compact, with mid-weight flavours tucked neatly into a
delicately crisp package. It will develop nicely in the mid to long term.