Castle Rock A&W Pinot Noir 2022
- 95
- $55
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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The prestige release in the Castle Rock Pinot trio, this shows how the grape has gone from curiosity to contender in the West. Indeed, this is the pick of the best set of Pinots I have seen released from WA. The aim here was to showcase CR’s best Pinot from their oldest block, planted in 1986. 32% whole bunch contribution, the wine is matured in French oak, 23% new, with the final blend a barrel selection. Deep red, this is a sleek, refined, seductive and exceptional Pinot. Notes of tobacco leaves, warm earth, dark cherries, new leather and root vegetables which all comes together in a rather luxurious package. There is fine acidity, silky tannins and yet firm grip, good length and serious persistence so it will drink beautifully over the next decade.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
