Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay 2023
In Blairs words - Pure grapefruit zest, citrus, stonefruit kernel, a hint of roasted nuts, all bound in enlivening acid. The satisfying palate weight carries the acid completely without effort; it just shrugs it off. Very clean, already showing some length, which will no doubt build gracefully. A pleasing absence of oak notes…in fact a pleasing absence of everything but essence of Chardonnay. A definite candidate for benchmark.
Critics thoughts - Subtly spiced citrus. Creamy, beautifully modulated among some overly stylised wines. Really smart Chardonnay that balances fruit and winemaking and finishes with salty freshness. (JH) 14%, Drink 2024 – 2030 Jancisrobinson.com, Julia Harding MW, 17 points
Subtle notes of vanilla rice pudding and flint give way to floral and sweet herb aromas. The palate, initially tight and firm, slowly opens up to reprise the bouquet along with layers of white fruit, chalk and fine-boned pithy phenolics which all lie within a sleek, polished structure. Elegant, detailed and compact, with mid-weight flavours tucked neatly into a delicately crisp package. It will develop nicely in the mid to long term. Drink: 2025 – 2038 The Real Review, Stephen Wong MW, 97/100 *****
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Country
- New Zealand
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Producer
- Felton Road
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Region
- Central Otago NZ
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Variety
- Chardonnay
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Vintage
- 2023