This is a spicy, polished, aromatic bottling from one of New Zealand's most renowned brands. It wafts cedar, dried flowers, white pepper and gentle red berry notes with a stony, mineral underbelly. The mouthfeel is silky, with juicy fruit and heaps of spice. Tannins are more prominent than others in the FR stable, but are well structured, suggesting a happy life in the cellar for this still-youthful Pinot until 2031, at least.

Dense, dark, brambly fruit flavors at the core expand to loam, white pepper, dried herb, tobacco and black tea notes and muscular tannins that firm up on the long finish, where all the elements find harmony. Drink now through 2032.

This is a pup of a Pinot Noir, full of youthful vigor. In addition to its floral and cherry-infused nose, there is a bouquet garni of woody herbs, which could be partly explained by a 25% whole bunch component, as well as in-bunch variation, which was a signature of this vintage at Felton Road, according to winemaker Blair Walter. While silken and satisfying, there is an innate energy and this youthful expression has a brace of gravelly tannins that build toward the end. The sinewy, fragrant and fresh finish provides line and length. Far too young to be approaching. Give it a minimum of 2 years to get into its groove.