Felton Road farms four properties totalling 34 ha in the Bannockburn subregion of Central Otago. This wine is from MacMuir vineyard which is just 1 km east of the Elms vineyard and winery, and just 300m west of Calvert. The vineyard possesses a higher vine density, a diverse range of clones and deep, heavy silt soils. Meticulous summer management of a single vertical shoot positioned (VSP) canopy ensures even and early fruit maturity. Shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf plucking, bunch thinning and harvest are all carried out by hand to ensure optimum quality fruit. Cover crops are planted between rows to assist in vine balance and to improve soil health and general biodiversity.

MacMuir always has a distinctive nose: darker fruits, with leaf hints and a touch of forest floor. On the palate there is the immediate impact of MacMuir muscle, a solid authority rather than aggression, eventually revealing its subdued powerful core. While there is copious tannin, it is wonderfully fine, adding a note of suavity to what might otherwise be an expression of strength. An impeccable finish, long and pure. Tasting notes from Felton Road Winery.