Established in 1991, Felton Road's journey is marked by an unwavering refusal to compromise. With an exclusive 100% estate policy, embracing fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (BioGro and Demeter certified), the purity of their fruit is safeguarded as it arrives at the winery. Their holistic commitment to sustainability underscores every facet of their estate.
Guided by a hands-off winemaking ethos, Felton Road employs gravity flow, wild yeasts, and avoids fining and filtration to preserve the terroir's true expression. This ethos gives rise to Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, each authentically reflecting the complexity of their unique vineyards. The custodians behind this legacy include Gareth King (Viticulturist), Blair Walter (Winemaker), and Nigel Greening (Proprietor).
Spanning 34 hectares across four properties in Central Otago's Bannockburn sub-region, Felton Road practices meticulous vineyard management. Their Block 3, nestled within The Elms vineyard, features a north-facing slope with silt soils interspersed with calcareous seams. Manual techniques such as hand shoot thinning, positioning, leaf plucking, bunch thinning, and harvesting ensure top-tier fruit quality. Cover crops enrich soil health and vine balance.
The vintage season witnessed early flowering under warm conditions. Despite a minor setback due to rain affecting fruit set, development proceeded with vigor. A balanced mixture of warm and cool periods led to a swift yet controlled ripening process. Harvest initiated on March 16 with Chardonnay, followed by Pinot Noir from Cornish Point the next day. By April 4, Pinot Noir from all four vineyards was harvested.
Felton Road's unique gravity flow winery enables gentle destemming into open-top fermenters, preserving 25% as whole clusters. Traditional fermentation and a prolonged maceration on skins extracted rich color, tannins, and profound flavors. Aging for 13 months took place in 30% new French oak barrels from esteemed Burgundian coopers. As per their non-interventionist philosophy, fermentation occurred with minimal interference.