Felton Road Bannockburn Riesling 2023

Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. A strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (Demeter certified) ensures their fruit arrives at the winery as pure as it can be, while their entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible. 

Near 30-year-old vines offer layers of aromas making it difficult to discern individual components: it’s just un-mistakably Felton Road. Schist, respectful farming and our indigenous yeast all contribute to this highly individual and identifiable style. A burst of sweetness in the middle is reminiscent of a perfectly tree-ripened peach, concluding with a flavour laden crisp finish that never seems to end. 

Riesling from Block 4 of The Elms vineyard was carefully hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, settled for 4-7 days before racking, then fermented with indigenous yeasts. The 4 week fermentation was stopped by chilling when the optimal balance was achieved between the acidity, alcohol and residual sugar (59g/L). Careful winemaking with minimal processing highlights the crisp natural acidity and the Riesling characters are delicately poised in the low alcohol of 9.5%.

Brooding aromas of wet stones, stonefruits and hints of lanolin, make for a complexing introduction. The mouthfeel opens with a burst of sweetness which is immediately tempered by intense stonefruit flavours and crisp acidity. Like a perfectly tree-ripened Central Otago peach, the completeness and beauty of the flavours dissolves the sweetness and sings of our mountainous Bannockburn location.

Fresh and fruity with melon and yellow plum aromas and flavors with some sliced cooked apple. Sweet pears. Medium-bodied, off dry and a fruity finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink now. - James Suckling, 92 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - New Zealand
Region - Central Otago
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 9.5%
Other - Organic & Biodynamic