Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2024

97 Pts James Suckling 'Perfumed and subtle lemon and sliced apple aromas follow through to a medium body with so much finesse, yet it’s structured and lightly chewy. Long finish. Exceptional. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better in two or three years. Screw cap.'

94 Pts Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous 'The 2024 Chardonnay Block 2 is focused, firm and athletic. It has drive and continually propels forward. Ripe citrus and nectarine combine with sophisticated oak use that adds complexity. The 2024 is tight and compact but intense, with all the components to evolve and unfurl over the next decade and beyond. Drink 2026-2036.

Mendoza clone Chardonnay from Block 2 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 4% new) was followed by a long and complete malolactic over the spring and summer. After 17 months in barrel (11 months on gross lees), the wine was carefully racked to tank for bottling in late-August, 2025. The wine was not fined or filtered.

"If Central Otago was the Côte de Nuits, then Bannockburn would likely be Vosne-Romanee and I'm going to hang it right out and say that Felton Road would be the top gun, the DRC."  James Suckling