97 Points Decanter
The top cuvée of each vintage is fixed with the family name, Casteel. In 2022 it includes five blocks selected from Lewman Vineyard and the western slopes of Bethel Heights. It's noteworthy per winemaker Ben Casteel that this wine is not comprised of the oldest vines on the estate but from grafted vines ranging from 26 to 30 years. Concentrated aromatics of dusty rose petals, smoky hoisin sauce and notes of toasted sesame oil. The palate is intense, centred around opaque bramble fruits, there is a muddled strawberry freshness, further carried by spicy chicory root, tart pomegranate, and delicious notes of dried anise. A wine of elegance certainly but with concentration and structure to unwind beautifully over a decade.
96 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pinot Noir Casteel is youthfully shy and takes plenty of air to reveal intoxicating scents of pomegranate liqueur, blackberry jam, Earl Grey tea leaves and earth. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and powerful! It offers generous layers of dark fruit, earth and spice, gaining purity as it airs in the glass. It's structured by fine, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, floral and spice-laced finish.
94+ Points Vinous
The 2022 Pinot Noir Casteel opens with a distinctly savory bouquet as steeped plums and crushed blackberries are complemented by rubbed sage and rose petals. It sweeps across the palate with ease, soothingly round and ripe upon entry, yet quickly firmed up by a saline mineral tinge and fine-grained tannins that saturate toward the close. Licorice and lavender mingle through the finish, as the Casteel tapers off long and structured yet still remarkably fresh. This is a beauty that is already showing quite well but also has the balance to age gracefully.
93 Points Wine Spectator
Precise and structured, offering handsome flavors of raspberry and blueberry that take on crushed stone, black tea and savory spice notes as this builds tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2025 through 2032.
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
Blackberries dominate an aromatic set that includes loamy soil and the salinity of a maritime breeze. Cherry and lime-zest flavors match with a leathery texture, muscular tannins and juicy acidity. When you open this wine, make a toast to Terry Casteel.
Winemaker Notes:
Pouring into the glass, the Bethel Heights Pinot Noir unveils a deep garnet color, hinting at the richness within. The nose is greeted by a symphony of aromas, including redcurrant, cherry drops, and hints of citrus rind, harmoniously accompanied by floral and mineral notes. This olfactory dance sets the stage for an exploration of the wine’s palate. Certified Organically Grown.
