2021 Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay

Felton Road's vineyards are managed using organic and biodynamic viticulture, ensuring the highest quality fruit arrives at the winery. From there winemaking is intentionally hands off with gravity flow, wild yeasts, wild malo, and an avoidance of fining and filtration to help preserve the expression of its terroir.
Felton Road farms four properties totaling 32 ha in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. The fruit for this wine is mostly grown on the Elms vineyard in Blocks 2, 6, 8 & 9; plus approximately 10% coming from the Cornish Point vineyard. There are a range of altitudes and aspects, with the soils composed mostly of deep alluvial schist gravels.

Other Reviews....
Tasted in a vertical including 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013. Aside this current release, I really liked the 2015 (in the zone), and the 2013 was soft but charming. Winemaking consistent over vintages – 10% new oak, 11 months gross lees, full malo, late sulphuring.
Juicy stone fruit, almost into tropical, a little stuck match and cinnamon spice. Some almond gloss with chalky texture, a little sour yoghourt thing happening. An intense wine, with lots of acidity in the mix, and a long bright finish. Ripe lime too. Very nice. Opulent but tight. Drink 2022 - 2030.
94 Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front (August 2022)