From a ‘game of two halves’ vintage which saw the first half through until January characterised by exceptional heat, with warmer than normal overnight temperatures. The second half saw temperatures crashed back down to ordinary levels (in fact, the coolest in 14 years) and the drought was broken by the wettest February on record. This had the effect of slowing the ripening as there were fears that the wine might have been overripe and unbalanced otherwise. Hand harvested with fruit gravity fed into open top fermenters (80% destemmed 20% whole bunch) and aged for 13 months in 27% new French oak barrels before being sealed under screwcap. Transparent, medium garnet hue. On the nose I detect black cherry, star anise and clove. Firm yet fine tannins. Good fruit concentration with a real pop of acidity with a slight touch of astringency on the finish. This is not necessarily a negative but rather adds a touch of interest and complexity. Needs more time to integrate fully and resolve the high acid. 90pts
Felton Road Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
