I have not been to the Pyramids of Giza, however people we know have and they speak of how they wondered at them and could not help but be captivated. They were built about 4,500 years ago, so it is a testament to their construction that they are still standing today. If you did not know, there are three main ones. The Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Kafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Historians speak of the Great Pyramid in ways such as, “the perfection of its geometry is extraordinary,” and I’m guessing the other two smaller, no less significant, pyramids are spoken about in similar terms.
As far as I know, winemaker, Rob Diletti, has not have built a pyramid, and probably never will, but he has certainly crafted three Pinot Noirs that are individual in their own right, yet form a trio of captivating, wondrous and extraordinary wines. Okay, so they will not be around in 4,500 years but they have the structure to easily stand a few years in the cellar if you have the patience to do so.
Region: Porongurup, WA Source: Thanks kindly to Castle Rock Estate and Define Wine
2023 Estate Pinot Noir (Price: $44)
Straight up, I have to say, this is by no means the little sibling of the trio. It was the first of the three I tried and it set the bar high, providing an excellent prelude into what lies ahead with the ‘Diletti’ and ‘A&W’. Juicy red fruits are ever-present with a delicate savoury character combining for a good palate presence and an impressive finish where the fine tannins and lovely fruit linger very nicely. A fresh, deliciously fruit focussed and very approachable wine to say the least. Well done indeed.
2023 ‘Diletti’ Pinot Noir (Price: $52)
As much as these Pinot Noirs have their own identities, there is little separating them when it comes to quality, drinkability and value. This ‘Diletti’ has a different flavour profile with the 78% whole bunch and carbonic maceration providing a characterful angle to the wine but taking nothing away from the abundant fruitful and expansive palate. Plenty of black and red berry fruits are the star of the show, a slight herbal and stemmy character complement the fruit as it finishes smooth with a pretty good length. This was the more thought provoking of the three but in a really good way.
2023 ‘A&W’ Pinot Noir (Price: $57)
Terrific! That about sums it up really. It has everything; Richness, elegance, power, poise, focus and persistence. Abundant black fruits, a nice savouriness and earthiness, the oak perfectly in line with the lush fruit and spice feel on the palate, velvety tannins, and great great length to cap it off. I could go on and on. This one had me shaking my head in wonder at its brilliance. The Great Pinot Noir of the Porongurup!
Words from a Wine Glass 