Castle Rock Estate A&W Pinot Noir 2023

Estate fruit from their 1986 plantings matured in French oak for 10 months of which 18% was new. 27% whole bunches were used. The pigment is decidedly dark here with notes of rose bud, rosella and boysenberries. Mulberry with stems attached, prune plums and blood orange juice. Sage leaf, wet earth and granite rock. Tannins are silky but have excellent staying power coating the roof of the mouth. There is clove and allspice, star anise and dark chocolate. It’s drinking well now but will continue to improve in complexities as it ages. I’d say another 4-6 years, so while this is worth opening tonight, it’s also well worth a case going down into the depth of your cellar. Serve with Char Siu Bao buns for a heavenly pairing.