2017 Castle Rock Estate Pinot Noir

96 Points - James Halliday, Wine Companion

“Good retention of hue and depth. This is one of the best pinot noirs from Castle Rock. The bouquet and palate seamlessly interact, each with red cherry, wild strawberries, mirror-smooth but important tannins and totally integrated oak. Can't be climate change, but could easily - indeed most likely - be greater vine maturity.”

92 Points - Toni Paterson, The Real Review

“A beautifully crafted pinot noir with refined red berry fruit, hints of pimento and dried thyme. It is fragrant and flavoursome with a stylish core of strawberries and cherries. The tannins are fine, and the finish is long Castle Rock Tasting Notes: 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. 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. (Castle Rock Estate)”