Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2022
- 93
- $40
- Drink by: 2023-2029
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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.
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.
