Felton Road Bannockburn Riesling 2024

Felton Road Bannockburn Riesling, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand, 2024 

Grape: 100% Riesling, organic/biodynamic, handpicked from Block 4 of the Elms vineyard on schist/gravel soil, indigenous yeast fermentation, 49g/l residual sugar (A low alcohol, medium-sweet "Spatlese" style)

Winemaker Tasting Note:

The nose opens with intense tropical fruit that entices and intrigues. Ripe stone fruit of peach and nectarine dominate the flavours that are fully integrated with the natural sweetness. This builds through the mid-palate, almost risking being too decadent, until the schist infused acidity tempers, providing focus and length. The very fine 2024 vintage has provided a detailed and classic rendition of this special style.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"(49g/l residual sugar) Ripe, classic tropical notes, then peaches and nectarines, juicy and luscious, flint notes then tame the exuberance – a class wine that ages well, trust me these are stars with a few decades of age"

Roger Jones, THE BUYER, January 2025

"The 2024 Bannockburn Riesling is fleshy and full of flavor, all the while being tethered to the rails of brisk acidity that courses across the palate. The residual sugar (usually around the 60 grams per liter mark) sits well within the confines of the wine, and the low alcohol makes for a lightweight finish, which results in another sip. And another. Very good. There's lime flesh, green apple, white pepper, pressed linen, wet leaves and lemon sherbet. 10% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." Drink 2025-2034

93/100 points, Erin Larkin, WINE ADVOCATE, March 2025