14.3% alc/vol. Ruby to dark red, moderate pigment extraction, very good clarity. Cherry, weedy greens and barrel wood aromas on nose. Cherry flavor with length, some seed bitterness on finish with leather and cherry pulp fruitiness. Aftertaste of cherry stone. Moderate skin and barrel tannin astringency after 30 minutes. Could use some decanting. Mint, blueberry and black currant flavors emerge after 60 minutes. Solid fruit expression for variety, shows well for Cali cool climate vineyard location in Templeton Gap. Perhaps more barrel character than some might prefer; not my usual style for the varietal but good fruit at its core, and well crafted overall. Castoro reds can be tannin-forward, and this Pinot noir is no exception. The natural question is: can you dig it when a Pinot noir is made this way? I love the challenge, but do you have the patience to age or decant this wine long enough to show all it can be?
14.3% alc/vol. Ruby to dark red, moderate pigment extraction, very good clarity. Cherry, weedy greens and barrel wood aromas on nose. Cherry flavor with length, some seed bitterness on finish with leather and cherry pulp fruitiness. Aftertaste of cherry stone. Moderate skin and barrel tannin astringency after 30 minutes. Could use some decanting. Mint, blueberry and black currant flavors emerge after 60 minutes. Solid fruit expression for variety, shows well for Cali cool climate vineyard location in Templeton Gap. Perhaps more barrel character than some might prefer; not my usual style for the varietal but good fruit at its core, and well crafted overall. Castoro reds can be tannin-forward, and this Pinot noir is no exception. The natural question is: can you dig it when a Pinot noir is made this way? I love the challenge, but do you have the patience to age or decant this wine long enough to show all it can be?
Oct 9th, 2019
Paso Robles, Central Coast, California, USA
