2021 Castle Rock Estate Porongurup Pinot Noir, Great Southern

100% hand picked and whole-bunch fermented. Matured 9 months in old French barriques. It's an amazing wine, with a palate of extreme intensity and silky length. Cherries, rose petals, mouth-watering savoury tannins, all in balance and harmony.

97 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

The 2021 Castle Rock Estate Pinot Noir is hailing from 20-35 year old vines and made from a selection of five clones. Acai berries, juniper and macerated black cherries are catapulted from the glass, like a magical concoction from an Apothecary of your dreams – seriously I am immediately hooked. Winter pine buds, fresh sage and Madagascar vanilla bean are then followed by sweet tobacco pouch and boot leather. Redcurrants and wild strawberries make an appearance on the palate and the lofty acidity and sappy tannins carry those flavours on and on – my goodness what a wine.

Drink with slivers of perfectly cooked beef tongue dipped in red wine jus or, for the less adventurous, a really really good steak.

98 points Shanteh Wale Winepilot Sep 2022 Drink 2023-2029

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. Will continue to improve and develop complexity with age; cellar for 10+ years.

Perfect with duck but also try with lamb, chicken and mild Asian dishes