2023 Castle Rock Estate ‘Diletti’ Pinot Noir
$52.00
Named in honour of the Diletti family who founded Castle Rock Estate, this range of wines explores the idea of textural wines. The textural component of this Pinot Noir is derived from the tannins created through whole bunch fermentation.
451 in stock
Handpicked estate Pinot Noir. Whole bunch fermenters were filled with CO2 gas and sealed to encourage carbonic maceration and left to cold soak. Ferments were foot stomped throughout fermentation. 10 months barrel maturation on medium lees.14% new oak, 78% whole bunch, unfined.
Bright, ruby. Highly aromatic; fig leaf, pencil shavings with an undercurrent of dark fruits. A more delicate and precise mouthfeel than its siblings, driven by the graphite like fine tannins, but by no means lacking in flavour. Juicy red fruits up front, followed by dried spiced characters, think cumin and coriander. The fine tannin structure is working with the acid back bone to drive a long, lingering finish. This wine will reward careful cellaring.
Food Accompaniment: Pair with Woodfired Pizza, Grilled Pork Sausages, Mushroom Toasties.
Cellaring: Up to 10 years +
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.
96 Points “This is a completely engaging example of Porongurup Pinot Noir in the hands of a master winemaker. After the fruit was handpicked it underwent carbonic maceration with cold soaking and the old foot stomping technique was used before 10 months in oak. Seductive aromas of strawberry and darker plum with a savoury edge. The silky-smooth palate delivers a combination of power and drive presented with elegance and poise.” Winepilot, Ray Jordan
95 Points, “Bright with an energetic lift, it was an excellent exercise tasting this beside its siblings. From the Porongurup sub-region of the Great Southern, this Castle Rock Estate Diletti is the wine I kept coming back to. Its presence and feel are captivating. The use of whole bunches (78%) and carbonic maceration are telling and that bunchy savoury appeal brings an intriguing drive. Spending ten months in mostly older French oak (14% new), the strawberry and red cherry fruit is buzzing with excitement and delivers a red apple lick for good measure. Plums add depth along with some earthiness, dried herbs and dried leaves. Well handled acid frames a wine that will see a long future. Persistent, gracious, moreish and considered, this is an excellent Pinot Noir. Drink to eight years+” Qwine, Apr 2024
93 Points “Deep ruby hue. Highly aromatic with plenty of fleshy cherry and juice, rose petals, seasoned well with five spice along with toasty char, baked pastry, blackcurrant pastille, dried orange and woody undergrowth. Sapid with ropey tannins and sharp acidity. The flow is unique with the crunchy herbed lift counterpunching against the smooth dark fruit. Fine and long length with good persistence. Impressive.” Vinonotebook, Regan Drew
9.4/10 Points, “… Smart stuff.” Northern River Times, Max Crus
93 Points “This elegantly framed 2023 Pinot Noir Diletti is perfumed and finely detailed with potpourri, floral, five-spice and fruit pastille aromas that are fresh and bright. Seamlessly texted and punctuated by a gentle bit of tannins, it carries impressive strength and length while retaining delicious delicacy. This is far from a powerhouse but will flower beautifully in time. Drinking window: 2030-2036.” Vinous.com, Angus Hughson, May 2024
96 Points “There’s a rare depth of flavour and intensity to this impressively structured pinot noir. A high proportion of stems (78 per cent) from whole bunch fermentation adds a dash of earthy spice and a roast beetroot note to the pure concentrated red berry core of flavours. The rich flavours evolve as you sip — think strawberries and black plums, brambles and bracken. A dry, porcelain clay-like tannin offers a textural savouriness to the otherwise silky palate. This is fine, complex, lingering and exceptionally good.” The Weekend West, Paul Edwards
93 Points “Estate fruit, utilising carbonic maceration and matured in French oak for 10 months on medium lees. 14% in new oak and 78% whole bunches were used. The diletti stands out as the character-filled sibling of the group with marked botanical interest. Creeping ivy, thistle and sea succulent is backed by black cherry, blackberries and hawthorn. Clove and black peppercorn, caraway and olive. The palate is full of chewy tannins and waves of acidity. It’s got angles and quirks but with a lively sense of spirit. Drink now and will cellar 2-3 years. Try serving this with a hefty slice of Muffaletta sandwich.” Winepilot, Shanteh Wale
92 Points, No.2 2023 Pinot Noir from WA “Charry, clovey oak, bramble, plum, dark cherry and dried herbs flow through the aromatics. Rich, fleshy, firm and dark-fruit driven on the palate, with firm tannins, bright acidity and a woodsy lift on the finish.” The Real Review, Aaron Brasher
Outstanding “Intense, perfumed red with punchy red fruits such as redcurrants. In addition it has herbal hints, stemmy notes and a touch of reductive sulphur rounding out a complex nose. Silky, smooth palate, light bodied, red cherry flavours with a complex and attractive middle palate savouriness. Medium finish. Accomplished wine.” Australian Wine Guide
“Castle Rock winery sits inWestern Australia’s Great Southern region, named after a prominent granite landmark nearby. It does a range of three pinot noirs – the Estate ($44), the Diletti ($52), and the A&W($57). The vineyard, which was established in 1983 by Angelo and Wendy Diletti, is now run by their son Rob who is the winemaker. As is typical of Great Southern wineries, their pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay are well worth seeking out. In broad terms the Diletti is the lightest and zippiest of the three pinots, but don’t be misled by that – it’s not lacking intensity of flavour. A nose of roses and musk takes you to stalky red fruit flavours, cherry and raspberry, delicate spice and a whiff of mushroom. It’s silky, juicy and soft, and flows nicely over the tongue with a pippy, savoury finish. It could take a few years in the cellar – five or so – but it’s so moreish now I’d save myself the bother and jump straight in.” Newcastle Herald, Rick Allen
4.5 Stars, “The varietal perfume is appealing, and is given an extra dimension by notes of whole-bunch and slightly toasty oak. Fine, persistent tannins balance a long, reserved palate.” Winewise Magazine, Aug 2024
Harvest Date: 28 March 2023
Bottling Date: 14 February 2024
Alc: 12.5%
pH: 3.72
T.A.: 5.9
Vegan friendly
Minimal sulphites used
