Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir

Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir is a benchmark Central Otago expression, shaped by biodynamic farming, meticulous site selection and a deeply hands-off philosophy. Dark, structured and quietly powerful, it captures Bannockburn’s intensity with precision, depth and remarkable ageing potential.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Deeply coloured for Pinot Noir, this wine opens with concentrated aromas of black Doris plum, dark cherry and wild berries, layered with subtle five-spice, forest floor and savoury complexity. The palate is firmly structured yet beautifully balanced, driven by dark fruit depth, fresh natural acidity and silk-laden tannins. There is an underlying tension and mineral poise that promises further nuance with time, finishing long, composed and unmistakably Bannockburn in character.

Key Details

• Winery: Felton Road
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2020
• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Volume: 750ml
• Other: Gluten-free; Vegan-friendly; Certified Organic; Biodynamic; Sustainable winegrowing

Craftsmanship & Story

Felton Road is one of New Zealand’s most revered wineries, internationally recognised for its uncompromising pursuit of site expression. Established in Bannockburn in the early 1990s, the estate was shaped by proprietor Nigel Greening and long-time winemaker Blair Walter, whose partnership has elevated Felton Road to global benchmark status.

Operating under a strict domaine model, Felton Road produces wines exclusively from its own estate vineyards. Certified organic and biodynamic since 2002, every aspect of viticulture is managed by hand, while the gravity-fed winery and minimal-intervention approach allow purity, balance and terroir to take centre stage.

Special Features

This Pinot Noir is a blend from Felton Road’s four Bannockburn vineyards, grown on free-draining schist and loess soils in one of New Zealand’s most extreme winegrowing climates. Indigenous yeast fermentation, gentle gravity handling, and maturation in carefully selected French oak contribute structure without overshadowing fruit purity, resulting in a wine of depth, finesse and longevity.

Recognition & Accolades

Consistently acclaimed as one of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noirs, Felton Road Bannockburn continues to receive outstanding international recognition.

• 96/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
• 95/100 Points – James Suckling (2020 vintage)
• 92+/100 Points – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2020 vintage)
• 92/100 Points – Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous (2020 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW (2019 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – James Suckling (2019 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (2019 vintage)
• 94/100 Points – Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)

These accolades affirm Felton Road’s status as a global reference point for Pinot Noir outside Burgundy.

Food Pairings

This refined yet powerful Pinot Noir excels with dishes that echo its savoury depth and natural elegance. Roast duck, duck confit or herb-crusted lamb are classic partners, where the wine’s acidity and tannin structure balance richness with ease. Earth-driven vegetarian dishes such as mushroom risotto, truffle pasta or lentil-based plates are elevated by the wine’s forest-floor notes and mineral tension, while its purity and finesse make it equally compelling with game birds or softly spiced cuisine.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Elegant, serious and unmistakably expressive of place, Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir is a superb choice for collectors, fine-wine lovers and thoughtful gifting. Ideal for special dinners, cellaring or moments that call for something truly exceptional.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.