2023 Castle Rock Estate ‘A&W’ Pinot Noir
$57.00
98 Points, Winepilot
Bright, deep ruby in colour. Heady perfume of blackcurrants and fig leaf on the nose. The wine is supple and seamless, with a concentration of fruit characteristic of the 2023 vintage. Black fruits on the palate are balanced by whole bunch spice and savoury oak char. A fine line of acid works with the whole bunch texture, creating a long, fine finish.
Note: This limited wine will not be discounted in a mixed dozen, although it will contribute to the 12 bottles, enabling the 8% case discount in the other wines in the dozen. Wine Club Member discount for this wine will be automatically allocated at the Check out
684 in stock
Tasting Notes
Named in honour of Angelo and Wendy, founders of Castle Rock Estate, who planted the first Pinot Noir vines in 1986. Showcasing these old vines not only highlights the premium quality of Pinot Noir grown in the Porongurups but also, the greatness of our site.
All estate fruit. Sourced primarily from oldest plantings (1986). Matured in French oak on medium lees for 10 months. Barrel selected from several small batch treatments for final blend. 18% New oak, 27% whole bunch, unfined.
Bright, deep ruby in colour. Heady perfume of blackcurrants and fig leaf on the nose. The wine is supple and seamless, with a concentration of fruit characteristic of the 2023 vintage. Black fruits on the palate are balanced by whole bunch spice and savoury oak char. A fine line of acid works with the whole bunch texture, creating a long, fine finish.
Food accompaniment: Perfect with duck but also try with lamb, chicken and mild Asian dishes.
Cellaring Potential: Will continue to improve and develop complexity with age; cellar for 10+ years.
98 Points “The source of this exceptional wine are the oldest vines on the estate, planted by Angelo and Wendy Diletti in 1986. It is as good as any Pinot yet made from this super vineyard. Seamless structure and silky smooth with a velvety mouthfeel. The aromas of strawberry and plum merge with a slightly spicy earthy mushroom-like nuance. Effortlessly long with structure and poise. A marvellous statement of a great vineyard created by the deft hands of Rob Diletti.” Winepilot, Ray Jordan
96 Points “Estate fruit from their 1986 plantings matured in French oak for 10 months of which 18% was new. 27% whole bunches were used. The pigment is decidedly dark here with notes of rose bud, rosella and boysenberries. Mulberry with stems attached, prune plums and blood orange juice. Sage leaf, wet earth and granite rock. Tannins are silky but have excellent staying power coating the roof of the mouth. There is clove and allspice, star anise and dark chocolate. It’s drinking well now but will continue to improve in complexities as it ages. I’d say another 4-6 years, so while this is worth opening tonight, it’s also well worth a case going down into the depth of your cellar. Serve with Char Siu Bao buns for a heavenly pairing.” Winepilot, Shanteh Wale
95 Points “In a word, excellent. This Castle Rock Estate A&W Pinot Noir speaks of the earth it sinks its roots into. Given its generosity, you could be forgiven for thinking it comes from Central Otago. From the oldest vines on the estate planted in 1986, 27% whole bunches were used and it sees French oak for ten months (18% new). What hooks you in is the length. Wow! It’s seductive and never-ending. Dark cherries, freeze dried strawberries, blackcurrants, compost and mushrooms get things on the move. Flirtatious truffle, dried leaves and twigs add savoury nuances. Wonderfully autumnal, earthy and woodsy spices flank dark cherry fruit that seemingly draws concentric circles around the mouth. What a peach! Superb Pinot this. Drink to eight years+” QWINE Reviews
Harvest Date: 17 March 2023
Bottling Date: 12 February 2024
Alc: 13.3%
pH: 3.60
T.A.: 6.1
Vegan friendly
Minimal sulphites used
2022 Castle Rock Estate ‘A&W’ Pinot Noir
94 Points, QWine, Steve Leszczynski
9.5/10, Max Crus
2021 Castle Rock Estate ‘A&W’ Pinot Noir
Trophy, Best Pinot Noir, Wine Show of Western Australia 2022
96 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
