Can this top dog Castle Rock Diletti Pinot Noir 2021 rise above the ho-hum regional reputation for Pinot? Probably not, but it gives the challenge a fair shake,

Red fruit and hedgerow on the nose – no denying the whole bunch influence. Sappy, ripe, but also a little minty greenness on the nose, the palate then pointed and firm with angles aplenty. I appreciate the intensity, the length and the outlook, but this does feel too pointy to be seductive. Length gets this a silver medal, regardless.

Best drinking: better next year. 17.5/20, 91/100. 13.5%, $46. Castle Rock website. Would I buy it? No.