It was in 2004 that the Castelli family purchased their property on Mount Shadforth in picturesque Denmark.
Originally intended as their holiday property, Sam Castelli’s Italian wine-making heritage took over, and so he completed the partially built winery that was on the property.
Today Castelli Estate produces a range of wines not only from the home vineyard, but also taking advantage of the terroirs and microclimates across the Great Southern and selecting parcels of fruit which express the attributes of this great region.
This all works well in the hands of winemaker Andrew Vessey, who brings with him extensive experience having worked in wineries across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The resultant wines come highly recommended.
The Wines
Castelli Estate 2022 Mount Barker Riesling (rrp $27)
A true expression of Riesling from the Great Southern. Intense, pristine, focused fruit with a linear profile. Floral kaffir lime aromatics, with Meyer lemon flavours, a talcum powder mouthfeel. High acidity gives a crisp clean finish. Can drink now or allow more complex flavours to evolve over the years ahead.
Castelli Estate 2022 Denmark Pinot Noir (rrp $ 37)
A nice Pinot. It’s a result of a good vintage for Pinot, with cold temperatures, late ripening and harvesting giving the acidity required to get this difficult variety correct. Fruit was from the home vineyard and underwent detailed vinification with different clones handled differently in the winery. Having spent years studying the differing nuances of the subregions of Burgundy, I cannot help drawing comparisons with this wine very much in the style of Morey-St-Denis, being an attractive delicate brighter style. It has vibrant red cherry aromas, fresh raspberry and cranberry flavours, and some spiciness from background oak.
Castelli Estate 2020 Frankland River Shiraz Malbec (rrp $25)
A youthful, big, ripe wine from a warm vintage. The predominant Shiraz gives the blueberry, white pepper characters. Herbal, earthy, savoury elements from the Malbec also give this wine a real tannic hit. Enjoy it over the next few years.
Castelli Estate 2018 Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon (rrp $ 37)
A good Cab Sav from that near-perfect 2018 vintage. Still shows a youthful meniscus in the glass – obviously in for the long haul. Complex aromas of black fruits, clove, a touch of allspice. Full-bodied palate with big flavours of blackberry, black olive and coffee. Fine tannins across the palate. Great length. Good value for money in a wine that will reward for a further 10 or 12 years.
Reviewer’s Pick:
Castelli Estate 2021 Il Lirus Chardonnay (rrp $80)
An outstanding Chardonnay from the Denmark home property marketed under Castelli’s special premium label. Pristine in the glass. Beguiling nose is a marriage of ripe primary fruit and quality oak. Lemon citrus, stonefruits, some brioche. The palate is vibrant, clean, focused and long. Flavours of grapefruit, citrus and pineapple with mineral elements. A creamy touch from partial malolactic ferment. Beautifully integrated oak. A 6-8 year wine. The Denmark subregion is certainly coming of ‘Chardonnay age’ with wines like this.
Win…
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