Castle Rock Estate A&W Pinot Noir 2021

Another in the range which is a tribute to winemaker Rob Diletti’s mum and dad as founders of the Estate. It is not that long ago that good Pinot Noir from Western Australia was about as common as ski fields in Queensland, but things have changed and we have seen a number of seriously impressive wines over recent years – add this to the list. The fruit here was sourced from a block planted in 1986, so perhaps older vines are playing a role, as no doubt is winemaking experience. The wine saw 25% whole bunch inclusion and spent 10 months maturing ‘on medium lees’ in French oak, 19% of which was new. This is silk and lace in a glass. A lovely pale garnet colour with spices and herbs, red fruits, a hint of a brambly character and some freshly turned earth with a good line of acidity running the full journey. This is mid weight, a silky style of Pinot exhibiting some early complexity. Drink now for three to four years, but I’m sure well-cellared bottles will give pleasure long beyond that.