Felton Road Central Otago MacMuir Pinot Noir

Felton Road are one of New Zealand's greatest wineries, crafting superb single vineyard Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay from their holdings in Central Otago. Their MacMuir bottling displays a distinctively deep fruited character alongside the characteristic dark chocolate note that has become characteristic of the first few bottlings from MacMuir. The palate is typically bold: deep, distinguished, and best put away for a few years ageing. The heavy soils of MacMuir contribute to the alluring texture and depth of tannins, completely countering its younger vine origins. A new level of maturity from this vineyard, signalling what is to come in future vintages. 95/100 - Savory and brooding aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, ferric earth, blood oranges and cedar on the nose. The palate has finely integrated tannins and a medium-bodied mouthfeel, giving notes of raspberry coulis, graphite and watermelon rind. Refined and pure with an underlying power. Drink or hold. Screw cap. - James Suckling 94/100 - The 2023 MacMuir Pinot Noir leads with cocoa powder and pomegranate, dried herbs and caper brine. The palate offers all of this and more, framed by fine, chalky tannins and a wash of juicy acidity that feels watercolor-like and impressionist in the mouth. I like this wine very much, and the slightly lighter frame this year works well for it. It is chewy and good, with asphalt and petrichor through the finish. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate