Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023 (750ml)

The 2023 Pinot Noir Bannockburn is highly fragrant, exuding florals, raspberries and blackberries. There’s a savory, smoky essence which combines with the primary red fruit and rich plum fruit to make a slightly wild finish aromatically. There’s plenty of concentration on the palate and layered fruit substance, with more tannic grip than you’d anticipate. You’d normally say drink now for Bannockburn, but I’d allow this a little longer to come around.

A gorgeous nose of meltingly sweet berry fruit from raspberry and boysenberry to black cherry, sitting under a cloud of youthful wood, red dates, Indian spice and dried thyme. The flavour-packed palate is neatly tapered with very young, squeaky tannins which provide grain and texture to the otherwise decadent raspberry stripe of fruit. An expanding touch of earthy spice carries some warmth on the finish as it gives way to a deeper, brooding aspect. There is a hidden power and darkness within which is waiting to emerge.

Perfumed aromas of wild strawberries, red raspberries, blood oranges and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with fi ne tannins and precise acidity, giving notes of blackberries, potpourri, wet bark, dark cherries and graphite. Finely balanced and refi ned. Made from a blend of all four estate vineyards. Drink or hold

The 2023 Bannockburn Pinot Noir is vibrant and spicy, with real energy and pace on the palate. Cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry converge on a springy base of pliable tannin. The acidity, which is bright, is woven through all aspects of the fruit, and the wine feels exciting and fresh as a result. This is a great wine here. It has full fl avor and resolved texture at a moderate alcohol level. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap

Mid crimson. Peppery and more savoury than the Marlborough Pinots I have tasted so far. Pure, dark-red fruit and nicely earthy. Firm and savoury on the palate, too, even though there’s a cloak of sweet fruit. Firm, smooth tannins. Fresh, long and beautifully balanced.