Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2022

The grapes for the estate Pinot come from a range of vines, aged between 8 and 37 years (can’t have been too many Pinot Noir vines in the region thirty-seven years ago). A seven-day cold soak, whole bunch (19%) and barrel fermentation, before the wine goes to a mix of new (24%) and older French oak barriques for ten months. Crimson purple, there are bewitching notes of raspberries, red cherries and root vegetables – exquisite fruit notes with undergrowth and game hints. This is supple, delicious and well balanced with a hint of whole bunch character adding to the complexity, but not so much as to dominate. Fine silky tannins, with a sappiness on the palate plus very good length here. This is an impressive Pinot to be enjoyed any time from now over the next six years.