2023 Castle Rock Estate Pinot Noir

From 30 year old vines. Bright dark red core with black toned edges and a vibrant light purple red hue. Fragrant violet, red cherry, strawberry and rhubarb scents blossom out of the glass followed by some dried herb, forest floor and subtle spicy cedar notes. Light in body the palate is decorated with juicy cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours. Forest floor, fresh herb and spicy cedar elements lie underneath. Vibrant acidity lends freshness. Polished tannins finishing long, elegant and savoury.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%

Other Reviews…..
Estate fruit, machine harvested and handpicked. 10 months on medium lees of which 25% was new oak and 15% whole bunch. Much like Champagne maisons hold their NV wine high and mighty, Castle Rock’s estate Pinot Noir sets the benchmark for quality. You’ll find preserved strawberries, wild hibiscus, dark cherries and notes of savoury wagyu bresaola. Torn rosemary, pine needle and bay leaf. Sweet blackberry wine gums and licorice root. Sappy tannins and a thread of straight shooting acidity. There is a chew to the red berried fruit and a nice crunch of pomegranate seed on the finish. A well rounded wine. Drink now and will cellar another 3-4 years. A perfect partner to black truffled scrambled eggs on sourdough. Drink 2024-2028.
96 Points
Shanteh Wale – WinePilot.com

A vivid, fine-boned and tightly wound pinot noir of exceptional length and persistence with vibrant, effusive perfume. Red cherry at the tarter end of the spectrum with twiggy wood notes, some faint eucalyptus, white pepper, mezcal spiciness and a sense of freshness overall. Tannins are lacy, ultra-fine and tighten the wine well. It's delicate, almost blink and you'll miss, but the filigree is all here. Drink by 2034.
95 points
Mike Bennie - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion