Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2021

Tasting Note: Aromatically very expressive, complete and alluring: florals, black cherry, spice and undergrowth are all present. The palate is so harmonised and integrated that it’s difficult to discern individual characters – a hallmark of a real classic. Finely woven tannins build and coat the mouth for a masterclass in texture. Vibrant fruit and acidity allow the finish to crescendo and take an eternity to gracefully fade. Reviews: 98 points, James Suckling Outer quote mark Very fragrant nose here with deeply woven complexity. Earthy nuances, bracken, leaves and spiced red cherries abound with roses and violets, as well as blueberries. The palate has long tannins that extrude deep along a central spine. Lots of blueberry and red-cherry flavors. The contained, fleshy feel of the palate is really something and this always powerful wine is in such, supple and fluid form. 97 points, Vinous Outer quote mark An alluring style that draws you in with its silken texture. It is pure, inviting and might be called sumptuous if not for an arrow-like line of acidity and whole-bunch-derived sappiness bringing up the rear, taking that ethereal texture and urging this wine forward. The finish is interminable, with satisfying savory, spicy characters persisting alongside woody herbs and broody black fruit. At 14.5% alcohol, there is the merest hint of heat, which is the only minor gripe in this near-perfect Central Pinot. 96 points, Bob Campbell Outer quote mark Firmly-structured pinot noir with concentrated plum, dark cherry, violet, savoury and spicy flavours that suggest coffee and dried herbs. A wine that is clearly built for the long-haul. Will benefit from aeration. 94 points, Wine Spectator Outer quote mark Plush, showing off a seamless, harmonious quality to the silky pomegranate, black cherry and cranberry flavors, with loamy forrest floor, cedar and cardamom seed notes that linger on the finish.