The 2023 Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir is a beautifully detailed and highly regarded single-vineyard Pinot Noir from one of Central Otago’s most celebrated producers. Sourced exclusively from the Calvert Vineyard in Bannockburn, this wine is renowned for its distinctive combination of perfume, silky texture and finely etched tannin structure. Felton Road’s biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking allow each vineyard to express its individual personality, and Calvert consistently delivers the most elegant and approachable expression within the estate’s single-vineyard range.
The nose is intensely aromatic and beautifully layered, revealing aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry alongside rose petal, violet and exotic spice. As the wine opens, notes of thyme, dried herbs and subtle forest floor emerge, complemented by hints of blood orange, tea leaf and crushed stone. The aromatic profile is vibrant, lifted and remarkably pure, showcasing the finesse and transparency that define the Calvert vineyard.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant acidity and exceptional balance. Layers of red cherry, cranberry and wild berry fruits unfold across the palate, supported by subtle savoury complexity, gentle spice and a finely detailed mineral backbone. Compared to Felton Road’s Block 3 and Cornish Point bottlings, Calvert is often the most immediately charming, offering supple texture and floral elegance while still maintaining impressive depth and structure. The finish is long, graceful and persistent, carrying lingering notes of red fruits, rose petals, spice and earthy complexity. The style is refined and expressive, combining Central Otago fruit intensity with Burgundian finesse.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for customers seeking a premium New Zealand Pinot Noir with elegance, perfume and exceptional drinkability. Compared to many richer and darker-fruited Central Otago Pinot Noirs, Calvert offers greater floral complexity, silky texture and refinement while retaining impressive concentration and vineyard character. It is often considered the most approachable of the Felton Road single-vineyard Pinot Noirs in its youth, making it a fantastic option for both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring. Drink now with decanting or cellar comfortably over the next 10–15 years. Perfect with duck breast, roast quail, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, game birds or truffle-infused dishes.
