I decided to do some research on Rob Diletti to find out if he had any pastimes.  When I googled him, plenty of good information came up; twice being a finalist in the Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year, and he took out the inaugural James Halliday Wine Companion 2015 Winemaker of the Year.  What I was hoping to find out was if Rob had any hobbies; things he did when he had some downtime from making wine, but nothing came up. 

I am sort of wondering if he is a darts player.  If he was, you wouldn’t want to take him on as the bullseye would cop a hammering due to his pinpoint accuracy.  I say this because, he seems to always hit the mark with the wines he makes.  I have tasted and enjoyed quite a few and they have all been on point with these two being no exception.

2019 Porongurup Pinot Noir

A very pretty ‘pinot noir’ colour, I loved this even before I experienced the aromas and/or flavours!  Taking in the aromas was quite something.  It’s bright, it’s fresh and inviting thanks to strawberries, cherries and ripe raspberries, and it’s a little bit earthy too. Similar on the palate but those flavours take it up a notch to the ‘terrific’ level.  This is very, very good!!  Those fruit flavours are joined by some darker fruits like plums and blackberries.  There’s a lovely smoothness to the palate where the oak just shows itself, the tannins are perfectly in tune with everything else about this wine and it has great length too.  Bullseye!!

2019 Great Southern Shiraz

Again, a lovely colour.  Youthful would be the best way to describe it because it is, simple as that.  Same with the aromas and palate actually.  It’s just so fruity and delicately spicy with just a hint of oak poking through.  Tasting it was just so special!  Offering plenty, perfectly rich (if that’s possible) and so moreish.  Blackcurrants (a little sweetness from theses guys), blackberries, plums, a little peppery, so very smooth and mouthfilling.  I have to say, even though the oak and tannins make themselves known, this is so very nicely ‘together’ and it keeps letting you know on the nice, long finish.  Another bullseye!!

https://castlerockestate.com.au/

Price: $34 (bargain buying)     Source: Sample courtesy of Castle Rock Estate and Define Wine