2024 Castle Rock Estate Riesling

95 Points, “If, as many say, riesling is the purest transmitter of terroir that we know, then there’s no better way to tell the compelling story of Western Australia’s remote Porongurup region than through the achingly pure and expressive wines produced by the Diletti family of Castle Rock. Citrussy, alluring floral and a kinetic minerality are at play here. Coiled power and astonishing length.” The Australian Magazine Top 100 Wines, Nick Ryan.

95 Points “This is a stunning Riesling and amazing value. It might sound like the proverbial broken record but anyone claiming to like Riesling who is not buying, drinking and cellaring these is not serious. Rob Diletti sees this as his flagship. The fruit is all from the estate, from six different blocks, aged between two and four decades. Only the first press of 450 litres/tonne is used here. A bright lemon hue, it is leaner and more elegant than the Skywalk, as expected, with notes of florals, oystershells, citrus including fresh lime and grapefruit pith, and a line of saline acidity. Focus and length are present. This is easily a ten to twenty year proposition. A wonderful Riesling and one which is must-have value.” Winepilot, Ken Gargett

95 Points, “This is remarkably consistent wine is one I’ve been cellaring for many vintages. Given the challenging, warm 2024 vintage, winemaker Rob Diletti has woven his magic again producing a shiny-bright, zesty-fresh, thirst quenching riesling with all the estate’s hallmarks. There’s an attractive floral and citrus aromatic lift and mineral, slatey textures. With a few minutes opening in a glass, lemon balm, lilies, grapefruit and stem ginger flavours emerge. The term “minerally” springs to mind. Licking rocks, sucking on pebbles — choose your own phrase or simply revel in this citrusy, minerally delight.” The Weekend West, Paul Edwards

92 Points “Consistently one of the best WA rieslings over many years, and even in a hideously hot season like 2024 the cooler climes of the Porongurup work their magic to produce a quality wine. More in the spicy minerally zone than pure citrus, as evident on the nose and the precise palate. Retains a fresh vibrancy with a lingering pleasing finish.” Ray Jordan Wine

92 Points “Floral, tense and composed, this Castle Rock Estate Riesling walks comfortably in its own skin but I can only assume it’s holding itself back a little for now. Tasted alongside its siblings, I preferred the Skywalk Riesling to this slightly more expensive wine of the two. Bone dry, it shows plenty of Bickford’s lime cordial and pretty white field flowers. It’s pithy and tense with talc and chalky feels. The acid has a firm touch that pulls this back a peg or two. It’s a wine that shows strong promise to age well. Drink to eight years+” Qwine Reviews

“Aromas of dried florals, citrus, + a hint of talc. The palate starts off with a hint of fruit sweetness at the front and becomes much fuller and deeper with very attractive citrus flavours leading to a lingering, refreshing finish. VERY, VERY DRINKABLE!!” Winelines, Dan Traucki

★★★★☆ “Quite floral, fresh and expressive. The precisely balanced palate offers intensity of varietal flavour backed by lingering acidity. Straight from the text book.” Winewise Magazine, Lester Jesberg