95 Points – James Suckling

Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023 is a benchmark Central Otago Pinot Noir from one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and consistent producers — perfumed, precise and built with the kind of natural elegance that defines great Felton Road.

Bannockburn is Felton Road’s estate blend — a wine that draws from all four of their Central Otago vineyards to deliver a complete, expressive and beautifully balanced Pinot Noir.

My Wine Man

This is for someone who wants a serious, terroir-driven Central Otago Pinot Noir from a producer with an impeccable track record.

With 95 Suckling points, Bannockburn sits firmly in the premium tier — a wine that rewards attention and pairs beautifully with food, but is also very easy to enjoy on its own.

In my view, Felton Road is the benchmark for Central Otago Pinot Noir. Bannockburn is the ideal entry point into their range — complete, consistent and very compelling.

What makes this wine stand out

This is all about perfume, precision and Central Otago character.

Wild strawberry, red raspberry and blood orange define the nose, with dried herbs adding complexity and lift. On the palate, blackberry, dark cherry, potpourri and a fine graphite thread run through to a long, refined finish.

The defining feature is the balance — medium-bodied with fine tannins and precise acidity, everything sits in perfect proportion.

Finely balanced and refined, as James Suckling noted — drink now or hold with confidence.

Style / drinking window

Medium-bodied with wild strawberry, red raspberry, dark cherry and graphite notes.

Fine tannins and precise acidity provide elegance, structure and a long, refined finish.

Drinking beautifully now with decanting, with excellent medium-term ageing potential through the late 2020s.

Why this is a smart buy

If you want a 95-point Central Otago Pinot Noir from one of New Zealand’s most trusted producers, this is a standout.

It delivers:

• benchmark Central Otago Pinot Noir character
• the consistency and precision Felton Road is renowned for
• excellent versatility — drink now or cellar with confidence

Ideal for duck, lamb, mushroom dishes, salmon or a special occasion dinner.

Explore the Felton Road range

• Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir 2023 → single vineyard / more structured / step up
• Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2020 → icon single vineyard / serious and age-worthy
• Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2021 → peer-level Central Otago / different style

Life’s too short for bad wine.