Castle Rock Estate
Nestled within the picturesque Porongurup Ranges, Castle Rock Winery is a gem located along Porongurup Road in the Plantagenet Shire, just 40 km north of Albany in Western Australia’s renowned Great Southern wine region. This area is celebrated for its unique terroir, consistently yielding wines of exceptional precision, vitality, and character. As a proud retailer, Partners in Wine WA is thrilled to stock their range, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship that Castle Rock is known for.
Castle Rock Winery: A Jewel in the Great Southern
Nestled within the picturesque Porongurup Ranges, Castle Rock Winery is a gem located along Porongurup Road in the Plantagenet Shire, just 40 km north of Albany in Western Australia’s renowned Great Southern wine region. This area is celebrated for its unique terroir, consistently yielding wines of exceptional precision, vitality, and character. As a proud retailer, Partners in Wine WA is thrilled to stock their range, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship that Castle Rock is known for.
At an impressive elevation of 300 metres, the vineyard benefits significantly from its altitude, which invites cooling south-east breezes that lengthen the growing season. This extended period is ideal for the ripening of varieties such as Pinot Noir and Riesling, both of which are sensitive to heat and can struggle in warmer climates. The unique microclimate at Castle Rock fosters the optimal development of these grapes, allowing them to reach peak varietal flavour, ripeness, and balance while retaining their natural acidity. This results in wines that are not only flavourful but also refreshing, embodying the essence of their cool-climate origins.
Castle Rock’s vineyard management practices are exemplary, with a focus on extensive canopy management that enhances airflow through the vines. This approach reduces reliance on fungicides, promoting a healthier vineyard ecosystem. The winery prides itself on fostering this natural balance, opting for sustainable practices that encourage biodiversity. Rather than resorting to synthetic pesticides or insecticides, Castle Rock believes in nurturing a robust ecosystem that allows beneficial insects and wildlife to thrive, thus enhancing the overall health of the vineyard.
The heart of Castle Rock Winery lies in its talented winemaker, Rob Diletti, who is the son of the winery’s founders, Angelo and Wendy Diletti. Established in 1983, the winery has thrived under the stewardship of the Diletti family, and Rob’s upbringing among the vines has deeply influenced his approach to winemaking. His passion for grape-growing and winemaking was cultivated from an early age, and he has since become a respected figure in the industry, crafting wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their environment. In addition to his role at Castle Rock, Rob also lends his expertise to several prominent Western Australian wineries, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled craftsman.
The Castle Rock range showcases the best of what the Great Southern has to offer, with standout varietals that capture the region’s spirit. Notable wines include their exquisite Pinot Noir and Riesling, both of which have garnered acclaim for their expression of terroir and quality. The Pinot Noir, known for its bright red fruit flavours and elegant structure, exemplifies the finesse achievable in cooler climates. Meanwhile, the Riesling is celebrated for its vibrant acidity and aromatic profile, offering a delightful balance of fruitiness and minerality.
Visitors to Castle Rock Winery are treated to more than just exceptional wines; they can also enjoy the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the vineyard. The Porongurup Ranges provide a stunning backdrop, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The winery often welcomes guests for tastings and tours, where they can gain insight into the winemaking process and the philosophy behind Castle Rock’s approach to sustainable viticulture.
As a retailer, Partners in Wine WA is proud to feature Castle Rock’s wines, offering customers the chance to experience the quality and uniqueness of this celebrated winery. Our selection includes their standout varietals, ensuring that both connoisseurs and casual wine drinkers can find something to enjoy. Additionally, we are happy to accommodate special orders for non-stocked wines, reflecting our commitment to providing access to the full range of Castle Rock’s offerings.
In summary, Castle Rock Winery is a true testament to the potential of the Great Southern wine region. With its commitment to sustainable practices, skilled winemaking, and a focus on expressing the unique terroir of its elevated vineyard, Castle Rock continues to produce wines that resonate with both local and international wine lovers. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the wines from Castle Rock promise an experience that embodies the spirit of Western Australia’s flourishing wine scene. At Partners in Wine WA, we invite you to explore this exceptional range and discover the charm of Castle Rock Winery.
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Learn About Western Australian Wine Regions
Encompassing the The Swan Valley, Chittering & Surrounds the key varietals grown here include Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc & Verdelho.
What you might not know is it is Australia’s 2nd oldest wine region and has the hottest climate of any wine region in Australia. It is actually too hot here to produce certain varietals like Pinot. So, if you find one here, the fruit will probably be from down south.
Being on the doorstep of Perth we often forget it’s only a 25 minute drive from the city. We are so lucky to have a major wine region so close to the city.
An untapped resource that we are excited to showcase. We encourage you to take a drive up through the Bickley Valley. Not only are there some great wineries, but it’s a lovely drive with some fantastic views!
Most wineries here in the Bickley region are quiet young and a little different, with some varietals somewhat uncommon in WA. It has its own microclimate, producing differences in a Cabernet or Shiraz found down on the coastal plain. Up here you will find other varietals like Durif, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, and some Pinot Noir & Merlot.
The region stretches from Jarrahdale, through Bickley and the undulating landscapes of the Darling scarp.
The first commercial vineyard began operation in 1974 by Peel estate, which is still there today and producers some wonderful wines! Shiraz is the area’s strong suite.
The sea breeze comes much sooner than the swan valley keeping the temperatures a little cooler. Unfortunately, a region with few wineries that have a cellar door at present.
The Ferguson Valley and surrounds sits about 15 mins East of Bunbury and is home to a number of small boutique wineries. It’s majestic rolling hills, and the changes between the prevailing summer easterlies to the afternoon sea breeze makes for a diverse set of microclimates.
The region also encompasses the coastal plain, and down to Donnybrook providing different styles. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon & Sauvignon Blanc are the kings of this area, but wineries are experimenting with new plantings.
World renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay live here, but there is still diversity in the climate that creates different styles from a winery 30km North of Margaret River, to 15km’s south of Margaret River.
There are 70 wineries with a 5 star rated (James Halliday) Cabernet. Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon are also strong in the area. Margs wipes other Australian regions off the table when they blend a Sauvignon Blanc and a Semillon.
If you have not been a fan of Chardonnay in the past, I suggest you give it another go. Styles change, and the regions Chards is rated amongst the best in the country.
Situated to the East & West of Bridgetown the area is exposed to cooler temperatures and a higher elevation compared with Margaret River.
The Blackwood Valley mainly produces quality aromatic Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. You can expect to find a vivid shiraz full of black fruits, and a textured, medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon. There are much fewer wineries in the Blackwood Valley compared with Margaret River.
The first vineyards in the region were established in 1976 and the area is now home to several award-winning wine producers and grape growers who supply some of Australia’s finest restaurants.
This is Karri Forrest country, and the rich soil is loved by Vineyards and Avocado’s galore! Its cool and wet in Pemberton for about 6 months, receiving far more rainfall than most other wine regions in WA.
The area can receive over 1.2 meters of rain per year. It is not uncommon in summer for Perth to be Sunny and 33c, while Pemberton is partly cloudy with cool ocean breezes from the South East and only 24c.
This lush soil combined with cool weather helps Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay thrive here, and keep an eye out for a lovely floral Cabernet Franc as well.
Much debate has been had over splitting up the Manjimup and Pemberton regions. Manjimup has a warmer climate and less fertile soil whereas Pemberton’s soil is richer.
The Warren River runs through the middle to split up the regions. The area is reasonably young in plantings, dating back to the late 80’s. The wines produced in this area are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and a few Cabernet Franc’s. For me, the Manjimup and Pemberton regions produce the states best Merlot. If you haven’t been a Merlot fan, it could be you are yet to try one from these regions.
The biggest single wine region in Australia – I bet you did not know that! There is such diversity in terrain, climate and soil type that just about anything thrives down here.
Denmark, Mount Barker and the Porongurup’s are the key areas, Some of WA’s finest Shiraz comes from north of Denmark in the Frankland River area, while most of Australia’s best Rieslings come from the Porongurup’s. Just ask James Halliday who says it himself!
Due to the sheer size of The Great Southern and its varied terrain, it has the capacity to produce world-class wines from a range of classic varieties. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay. There are 5 star wineries littered throughout the region. I need no convincing in taking a trip to Denmark for their wineries.