The Castle Rock Pinot Noir wines just get better and better (and better). Hat tip to Rob Diletti and family. This A & W Pinot (the old vine flagship) is the best of the 2023 Castle Rock Pinot wines too, and it’s a masterfully juicy wine. There’s this deep plum purple fruit profile here, which doesn’t feel like an Australian Pinot at all – it could be Burgenland Zweigelt or a Central Otago Pinot. Not heavy, but mouthfilling. Savoury, light, pithy tannins are just right, too. An ocean away from red fruit Burgundy, but rather impressive because of it. Just a little light on through the finish, but again, that fruit profile is absolutely delicious.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now and for another five years
• Score (out of 20): 18.5
• Score (out of 100): 94
• Alcohol %: 13.3
• RRP (in $AUD): 57
• Winery website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: sure would