2020 Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir New Zealand

About the Wine

Before delving into the wine itself, let's take a moment to appreciate the man behind the magic, the proprietor of the apricot orchard turned vineyard dream, Stewart Greening. A true wine enthusiast, Greening embarked on this journey in 1999, transforming Calvert Vineyard into a winemaking paradise. In the same year, he acquired the Felton Road estate, now distinguishable by the iconic elm tree on every screwcap.

But what inspired Greening's foray into winemaking? As he fondly recalls, he was a fervent Burgundy drinker in an era when such enthusiasm was pure bliss. He drew inspiration from legendary estates like California's Calera, setting the stage for his vinous adventure.

Winemaker Blair Walter and viticulturist Gareth King were determined to embrace organic and biodynamic practices.

The wines, however, spoke volumes, especially in the UK, where they made their debut thanks to the late John Avery. Felton Road may not have been on the radar initially, but a glowing review from the renowned US critic Robert Parker brought the spotlight.

Felton Road's story is divided into two chapters, before and after. The turning point came in 2012, what Greening calls their "renaissance." 2011 had sealed their fate, prompting them to harvest earlier than usual. Greening emphatically states, "This is not as ripe, but we like it better." This shift to picking earlier has brought more tension and age-ability to their wines.

Once an old gold miners' settlement, this unique spot near Clutha River turned into an apricot orchard in the 20th century. Then, in 2000, it became a vineyard. Surrounded by water, it's frost-resistant thanks to its location and Lake Dunstan's proximity.

The soil here is mainly "moderately deep fine sandy loams," with a history dating back to the glacial era, offering a unique terroir for the vines. Organic and biodynamic practices are the norm, and the vineyard is fully certified by Demeter and BioGro.

2020 was a good year for New Zealand, Wine Spectator awarded this year with 93 points and said, "ideal growing season resulted in plenty of stunning wines."

Aging: 13 months in 25% new French oak barrels

Tasting Notes: 100% Pinot Noir. 
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes. 

Reviews

Moderately intense Pinot Noir with dark-fleshed plum, dark berry, cassis, chocolate mocha, spice, anise, and subtle floral notes supported by suede-like tannins. A complex wine that can be appreciated now but will benefit from bottle age. ~ 96 Bob Campbell, MW.

Strawberries, sour cherries, dried orange rind, dried herbs and spice box. Medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity and fine tannins. Structured and crunchy. Lovely texture. Mineral and fleshy with a long, flavorful finish. ~95 James Suckling

The 2020 Pinot Noir Cornish Point is fragrant, poised and shapely. Despite its silken texture and flowing style, there's unexpected, almost fierce substance within the core of this light- to mid-weight style. That power follows through on the structured palate, and fine tannins provide assured grip, which seems to be a result of the small berries of this vintage, giving a greater skin-to-juice ratio. There's fresh cherry fruit and an attractive herbal twist on the medium-long finish. A Cornish Point with muscle that should age well. ~93 Vinous Media 

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