Felton Road Block 6 Chardonnay 2022

Felton Road "Block 6" Chardonnay, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2022

Grape: 100% Chardonnay (Mostly "Mendoza" clone vines from a single block of The Elms vineyard planted in 1993), hand picked, whole bunch pressed, fermentation with indigenous yeasts in seasoned French oak (only 5% new), 11 months' ageing on full lees in barrel (16 months in total in cask)

Winemaker Tasting Note:

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.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Citrusy and a bit flinty on the nose. Chewy and full-bodied, with juicy yellow-apple and citrus flavours, yet also plenty of bright acidity. Very long finish. Mouth-watering and delicious." Drink 2024–2034

17/20 points, Florencia Gomez, JancisRobinson.com, November 2023

"Aromatically, the Block 6 comes across as a little more concentrated than its Block 2 stablemate, with more expressive citrus, peach and yellow plum fruit tones. Soft spice, yellow flowers and curls of clotted cream, ginger, sourdough and river-stone. Ditto on the palate. There is a nice swell of fleshy stone-fruits, some apple danish and softly spiced oak nuance with just a wee tweak of phenolic texture on the focused, savoury finish."

95/100 points (GOLD), Dave Brookes, HALLIDAY, September 2024

Also awarded 96/100 points, Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy, December 2023

Drink this Chardonnay with spinach, mushroom and cheese crepes, or beef in a Chinese yellow bean sauce.