Western Australia isn’t the first place you think of for classy, structured Pinot Noir, yet Castle Rock Estate, located in the sub-region of Porongurup, part of the Great Southern GI of Western Australia with winemaker Rob Diletti challenges that perception. 15% whole bunches (hand and machine harvested), fermented and matured in new (25%) and old French barriques and puncheons for ten months on medium lees. Note, the bottle image shows 2018, but it’s pretty much the same for this vintage.

Castle Rock Estate, Pinot Noir, Porongurup, 2023

Bright ruby colour. Neatly varietal with dark cherry, strawberry and pâté meaty influence. Plenty of warm brown spices, root veg and crushed undergrowth giving comfort.  Perky medium bodied flow, yet carrying a dark profile with some bound intensity. Herbed cherries and strawberries lead to a tight drying mesh of fine tannins with youthful gunflint at the close. Could even perhaps handle a year or two in the cellar.

RRP: $44
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Castle Rock Estate and Define Wine