2007 Felton Road Pinot Noir

Central Otago, New Zealand

Felton Road Pinot Noir is a beautiful red wine gem from the Central Otago region of New Zealand, the most southerly wine growing region in the World. Here, vineyards are nestled into small macroclimates totally surrounded by high mountains, many of which are snowcapped all year round. Felton Road's winemaker, Blair Walter, visited us at Wine Gems in October 2007 to taste his wines. This new 2007 release received a 92-point rating from Steve Tanzer and a 91-point rating from Wine Spectator! Blair studied at Lincoln University and Oregon State University before working in New Zealand, Australia, Oregon, Napa, and Burgundy. His winemaking philosophy is to let the fruit speak for itself: gentle handling with as little intervention as possible. Felton Road is managed 100% organically and biodynamically, respecting the ecosystem of the vineyards and creating superb organic wines. Bravo!

Felton Road Pinot Noir is deep garnet in color with purple tints. It offers a nose of plum, dark cherry and herbs with oriental spice. Ripeness drives the palate, as a rich, dark compote of black fruit laced with raspberry and chocolate. Ripe, dusty fine tannins complete the finish. The wine will drink well from release but will build in scale and complexity for at least 5 years.

Enjoy Felton Road Pinot Noir with pulled pork, grilled lamb chops, roasted salmon and cheeses.