JAMESSUCKLING.COM – July 2021
2019 Chardonnay Casteel – 94
Fantastic aromas of flint, dried pineapple, lime zest, smoke, chalk and lemon grass. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity and tight, textured layers. Excellent structure and tension. Drink or hold.
2019 Chardonnay Estate – 93
A blend of five parcels, this has attractively flinty lemons, pears and white peaches with hints of freshly baked biscuit and spicy oak. The palate has a very juicy, lemon-juice and lemon-pastry core with bright acidity and a smoothly layered finish. Drink now.
2019 Chardonnay Justice Vineyard – 94
Dried limes, jasmine, hay, crushed stones and subtle gunpowder notes on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with concentrated, tight and flinty layers. Long. Drink or hold.
2019 Pinot noir Aeolian – 92
Aromas of cherry, plum, smoke and cedar. It’s medium-bodied with chalky tannins and vivid acidity. Plenty of dark fruit and wood spices and a supple finish with excellent length. Drink or hold.
2019 Pinot noir Casteel – 94
A perfumed nose of plum, forest wood, smoke and cedar. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins and lively acidity. Smoky, ripe and juicy with a fleshy texture. Long, supple finish. Drink or hold.
2019 Pinot noir Estate – 93
A complex nose of dark cherries, mulberries, mushrooms, forest wood and baking spices. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins and bright acidity. Some smoky character with a fleshy texture. Layered and textured. Drink or hold.
2019 Pinot noir Flat Block – 96
Blackberries with strawberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with a tight, firm structure and racy tannins that hold back the fruit. Needs time to soften. Very solid and racy. Still timid. Drinkable now, but better in 2023, when it will have opened.
2019 Pinot noir West Block – 93 Points
Extremely aromatic with dried strawberry, cedar and some incense. Medium body with firm tannins that are firm, polished and nicely integrated. Tight and firm at the finish. Drink after 2023, to allow it to open.
2019 Pinot noir Justice Vineyard – 94
There’s real purity and focus to this with freshly sliced strawberry and fruit tea, as well as some perfume. Medium to full body with very racy tannins that are focused. Refined and beautiful. Drink or hold.