I often think that the #1 job for Pinot Noir is to be seductive. That’s unrealistic in a world of burly/herbal/meaty wines, sure, and maybe I’m just being romantic, but even the grandest fancy Burgundy’s have a little silk. This Castle Rock Estate Diletti Pinot Noir 2023 certainly brings the joyful delicacy, even if its a bit too light (lacking the punch of the brilliant A & W). Bright cherry red coloured and flavoured, with the raspberry layers lifted up with swathes of vanilla oak, a little pine and branch from whole bunches and a light touch palate. A pretty wine though, especially for a WA Pinot, if too slinky.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: nowish
• Score (out of 20): 17.7
• Score (out of 100): 92
• Alcohol %: 12.5
• RRP (in $AUD): 52
• Winery website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: worth a few glasses