2023 Castle Rock Estate Porongurup Pinot Noir, Great Southern

A vivid, fine-boned and tightly wound pinot noir of exceptional length and persistence with vibrant, effusive perfume. Red cherry at the tarter end of the spectrum with twiggy wood notes, some faint eucalyptus, white pepper, mezcal spiciness and a sense of freshness overall. Tannins are lacy, ultra-fine and tighten the wine well. It's delicate, almost blink and you'll miss, but the filigree is all here.

95 points Special Value Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Damn, this is a great drink. It’s a shining beacon for how fabulously approachable and delicious Great Southern Pinot Noir can be. Pour this large. Machine harvested with a portion seeing whole bunch fermentation (15%) and another portion seeing barrel fermentation then spending ten months in mix of new and used French oak (25% new). Dark cherries and strawberries light up the stage with an evocative presence. It’s juicy yet there is some generosity for the curious. Tilled earth, char, a smidge of black tea, twigs and a little pine needle add detail. A fabulous length keeps you captivated and seeking more. I could have glass after glass. Big love! Drink to five years+

94 points Qwinereviews.com

Opens with an exotic aroma of vibrant strawberry with slightly savoury nuances, it’s an engaging perfumed bouquet. The palate captures the season beautifully with a mix of sweet supple fruit with a dry savoury nuance supported by fine chalky tannins. It delivers a real burst of fruit intensity with the combination of 25% new oak and 16% whole bunch adding to its structure and mid-palate power

94 points Ray Jordan winepilot.com

Castle Rock Estate is one of Western Australia's great cool climate success stories. Established in the late 1980s by Rob and Wendy Diletti, the family owned winery has become synonymous with the pristine conditions of Porongurup, a subregion of the Great Southern renowned for producing wines of elegance, purity and regional character. Today, winemaker Angelo Diletti continues the family's commitment to expressing the unique terroir of this remarkable corner of Western Australia.

The Porongurup region benefits from a cool climate, ancient granite soils and significant diurnal temperature variation, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. The 2023 vintage delivered fruit with excellent flavour concentration and natural balance, allowing the variety's aromatic complexity and silky texture to shine. Careful vineyard management and sensitive winemaking preserve the vineyard's character while enhancing finesse and detail.

Bright ruby red in colour, the bouquet is immediately inviting with aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry layered with rose petal, cinnamon and subtle forest floor notes. As the wine opens, hints of rhubarb, dried herbs and fine spice emerge, adding complexity and intrigue. The palate is silky and beautifully balanced, delivering vibrant red berry fruits, savoury earthiness and finely integrated tannins. Fresh acidity provides energy and precision, while the finish lingers with delicate spice, floral notes and mineral freshness.

A wonderful partner for duck breast, roast pork with fennel, grilled salmon, wild mushroom risotto or a roasted beetroot and walnut tart. Approachable in its youth yet capable of rewarding careful cellaring, it captures the elegance and refinement that have made Porongurup one of Australia's most exciting Pinot Noir regions.