Bannockburn Pinot Noir, Felton Road 2023

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

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 flavor and resolved texture at a moderate alcohol level. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Very glossy, ripe morello cherry and doris plum aromas. Wood smoke and spiced oak. The palate has a powerful, concentrated character but is very smooth and sleek thanks to low impact tannins. Polished and graceful. Alcohol 13.50%. Drink from 2027-2033. Tasted Nov 2024. ***** 5 star wine

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. Drink 2025–2035.