Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2024

The Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2024 stands as a benchmark expression of Bannockburn terroir—one of New Zealand’s most celebrated single-vineyard Pinots. Planted in 1992 on a gentle north-facing slope within The Elms Vineyard, Block 3 sits on a deep bench of silts interspersed with calcareous seams, producing wines that marry richness with precision and minerality.

As with all Felton Road wines, the vineyard is certified organic and biodynamic (BioGro & Demeter) and part of the B Corp and IWCA sustainability initiatives. Careful canopy management—shoot positioning, leaf plucking, and crop thinning—is carried out entirely by hand, ensuring even ripening and impeccable fruit balance.

The 2024 vintage enjoyed a warm, even season, with a successful flowering in December followed by dry summer months that limited berry size and concentrated phenolics. Cool nights in March preserved the acidity and tension that define great Central Otago vintages. Pinot Noir from Block 3 was harvested between 19 March and 9 April 2024, achieving exceptional purity and depth.

Winemaking
The gravity-fed winery allowed grapes to be gently destemmed into open-top fermenters, with 25 % whole clusters retained to enhance aromatic lift and structural complexity. A traditional, moderately long maceration followed, with wild yeast fermentation and no pumping or mechanical handling. The wine was aged 13 months in French oak (20 % new) and bottled unfined and unfiltered, in keeping with Felton Road’s non-interventionist philosophy.

Tasting Note
The first impression tells you instantly—it could only be Block 3. Aromas of spice, herbs, dark cherry, leather, and mocha emerge in layers. The palate unfolds with cascades of deep, dark fruit, carried by supple yet structured tannins that frame the wine’s power without excess weight. The finish is long, indulgent, and poised, revealing both opulence and refinement. A truly heroic Block 3, destined to become a benchmark of the estate.

Small-Batch Detail

• Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago

• Vineyard: Block 3, The Elms Vineyard (planted 1992)

• Viticulture: Certified Organic & Biodynamic (BioGro & Demeter)

• Fermentation: Wild yeast, 25 % whole cluster

• Maceration: Moderate length, gentle extraction

• Maturation: 13 months in French oak (20 % new)

• Alcohol: 13.5 %

• Fining/Filtration: None

• Cellaring: Drink 2026 – 2042

Expert Reviews

⭐ 98 Points – James Suckling

“Aromas of ripe strawberries, plums and granite with a mineral undertone. It’s tannic with chewy tannins and a crushed character. Smoky, too. From organically grown grapes. Needs a few more years to soften, but already impressive.”

⭐ 97 Points – Bob Campbell MW

“A wine of great intensity and complex flavour—cacao nibs, mocha, dark cherry, cassis, black plum, spice and deep red rose petals. An heroic Pinot Noir that, while carrying the Block 3 signature, has greater structure than usual. Deliciously accessible now yet retains its appeal over days.”

Fine Pinot Note
The 2024 Felton Road Block 3 is the epitome of Bannockburn power and poise—dark-fruited, richly spiced, and seamlessly structured. A wine of quiet authority that will evolve beautifully over the next two decades. Pair with duck confit, venison loin, or mushroom duxelles.

Central Otago, New Zealand

(Image source from Misha's vineyard, Central Otago)

Central Otago has quickly established itself as ground zero for Pinot Noir in New Zealand-in the words of Jancis Robinson, "many believe this is where the Pinot grail is to be found".