Words from a Wine Glass

I was listening to an interview with Clive Jones, winemaker at Nautilus Estate, and it was easy to see how much he enjoyed working there. You could tell it in his voice. There was excitement, exuberance, and a genuineness about everything he said and his down-to-earth quality is very relatable. Greek philosopher, Aristotle, is quoted as saying, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” It was clear to me that Clive Jones gets a great deal of pleasure out of his job and it shows in the wines he makes. Such is evident here with these two Pinot Noirs. He seeks perfection and it doesn’t get much closer on both counts.

Nautilus Estate Website

Region: Malborough, New Zealand    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

2020 Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir (RRP $40)

Well hello to you, you luscious Pinot Noir you! What a delight, especially for the price. It offers up plenty on the nose that captivates your thoughts on just what this is going to taste like…and it does not let you down. It is concentratingly (not a real word I know) varietal while sitting in the medium-bodied realm . Dark cherry, mid-palate enriching plumminess, black pepper and spice, finishing elegantly smooth, and long with lovely balanced mouthfeel.

2020 Nautilus Clay Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir (RRP $110)

This is a Pinot with presence. While the Southern Valleys Pinot Noir is terrific, this Clay Hills Vineyard wine elevates the experience into a more complex territory. The aromatics are immediately engaging, blackberries, ripe cherries, a trace of spice, and an earthy note, all of which really get things off to a perfect start. On the palate, those dark fruits show their quality along with plum-like softness, hints of red berries and a nice subtle herbal note. It is beautifully balanced, with silky tannins that glide to a finish of impressive length. It’s generous yet poised and lush without being overindulgent. Quite simply, a standout Pinot Noir. Elegant, expressive, and thoroughly delightful.

Every year, people from all walks of life across Australia are recognised for their contributions in the New Years Day Honours List, the Australia Day Honours List, or the King’s Birthday Honours list and, in most cases, deservedly so. Yet, taking nothing away from the honour bestowed upon them, I couldn’t tell you who received an award this year let alone five or ten years ago.

This wine is named in recognition of Angelo and Wendy Diletti, who planted the first vineyards at Castle Rock Estate in 1983, as a lasting personal tribute to them. Those who visit cellar door will be introduced to the story behind the name. And, whoever purchases this wine will remember the people it honours every time they open a bottle. That’s not to mention the impression the contents are bound to have on anyone who tastes it.

Castle Rock Estate Website

Region: Porongurup, WA     Price: $60    Source: Thanks kindly to Castle Rock Estate and Define Wine

This may be a contradiction in terms, but the aromas are subtle yet so intensively inviting! Everything your olfactory senses tells you about this wine is a great prelude into the pleasurable experience on the palate. Dark cherries, a mid-palate pluminess, a blue fruit softness and a red fruit like freshness on the flavourful palate along with touch of oak and spice coming through. There is a generous, textural mouthfeel to this wine, a lovely intensity and complexity while maintaining its Pinosity, and it’s silky smooth on the elegant and long finish. A ripper wine!

Bravo to Angullong for venturing into the territory of this delicate grape variety with its first-ever Pinot Noir release. It’s a move that I think is both brave and refreshingly confident. Pinot can be a notoriously fussy bugger of a grape in the vineyard but the crew at Angullong clearly embraced the challenge. The result? This debut carries the hallmarks of Orange’s cool-climate grace and finesse that is instantly appealing. This may be their first release but they have certainly made a statement, and the resulting wine is delicious.

Angulong Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Price: $30     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Angullong Wines and Define Wine

This is so easy to like and to drink, right from the youthful aromas to the juicy palate. It all starts with attractive red fruit characters on the nose complemented by a touch of oak. The palate is invitingly fresh and energetic with juicy cherries and raspberries leading the way. Subtle hints of dried herbs, spice and earthy notes add plenty of interest to this light bodied, and quite charming, Pinot Noir. Quite an impressive debut from Angullong. Undeniably unputdownable.

As U.S. General George S. Patton once said, “Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” That sentiment rings true for Castle Rock Estate’s winemaker, Rob Diletti, who experienced considerable challenges with the 2024 vintage. Through diligence and persistence, he and his team stayed closely attuned to the vineyards right up until the time of picking. Their perseverance paid off and, in this resulting Pinot Noir, there’s every reason to celebrate a triumph. I’m very much looking forward to trying the other two Pinots from the 2024 vintage.

Castle Rock Estate Website

Region: Porongurup, WA     Price: $46    Source: Thanks kindly to Castle Rock Estate and Define Wine

There’s something so unmistakably Pinot about the aromas of this wine and I like them! Ripe strawberry and dark cherry, underpinned by subtle savoury and herbal notes. There’s a nice ‘yin/yang’ thing happening between richness and brightness that gives it a nice aromatic lift too. This lovely, medium-bodied, elegant wine opens with vibrant black and red fruits that sit beautifully on the palate. Layers of dried herbs, a touch of black pepper, charry notes, and finely judged oak come together very nicely, leading to a long finish that leaves a lasting impression of finesse and complexity.