2019 Castle Rock Estate Porongurup Pinot Noir, Great Southern

GOLD 95 points Wine Show of WA 2020
GOLD Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020

The aromas from this wine show true Pinot Noir character. Strawberry and cherry fruits are backed by a complex and creamy gaminess. There are also hints of spice, stalks, and some charry barrel ferment characters all combining to give the wonderful complex aromas you would expect from good Pinot Noir.

The front palate shows the cherry and strawberry fruit characters. There is a silky texture and wonderful balance running through the mid palate, with the quality French oak adding subtle charry characters. The tannins are fine and balanced, combining with a tight acid structure to give a long, lingering and powerful finish. The light gaminess adds complexity, which will continue to develop with age.

A recent vertical tasting of Castle Rock pinots back to 2006 showed 2 things: that they age gracefully, picking up typical earth and mushroom notes along the way; and that there seemed to be more complexity in the younger wines, indicating that they would perform even more favourably in the cellar. This is case in point; vibrant fruit and acid tension on the palate, unfurling to a long and lingering finish. Nuance and finesse here.

95 points Erin Larkin winecompanion.com.au Aug 2021