2022 Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 750ml

Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. A strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (Demeter certified) ensures their fruit arrives at the winery as pure as it can be, while their entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible. 

Felton Road farms four properties totalling 32 ha in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. Chardonnay is mostly grown on the Elms vineyard in Blocks 2, 6, 8 & 9; plus approximately 10% coming from Cornish Point vineyard. There are a range of altitudes and aspects with the soils mostly deep alluvial schist gravels. Meticulous summer management of a single vertical shoot positioned (VSP) canopy ensures even and early fruit maturity.

Predominantly Mendoza with some Dijon clone 95 Chardonnay from Block 6, was whole bunch pressed, settled overnight and flowed by gravity to barrel in the underground cellar. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in seasoned French oak (only 5% new) was followed by a long and complete malolactic over the spring and summer. After 16 months in barrel (11 months on gross lees) the wine was racked carefully to tank for bottling in early-September 2023.

The more exposed and north facing slope of Block 6 counters its higher elevation, contributing to the ripeness of fruit and bolder expression (compared to the Block 2). The initial impression is tightly woven, but soon expands and opens to reveal intriguing nutty and brioche notes. The breadth and depth are impressive, with a mineral freshness brightening and influencing the seamless and long finish.