Castle Rock Estate - Australske Vinhuse

Towards the end of 1981 the 55 hectare property was specifically selected by the principals, Angelo and Wendy Diletti, to grow premium quality table-wine grapes. The choice was based of the altitude, an approximate eastern slope, well-drained soils and excellent water catchment potential. The wide arc of magnificent views has been the bonus.

The vineyard is located on Porongurup Road in the shire of Plantagenet. It is set high in the Porongurup Ranges, which are 40 km north of Western Australia's south coast regional center Albany. The altitude, 350 meters above sea level, and the position of the vineyard, which exposes the vines to cooling south-east breezes results in a prolonged growing season, enables the fruit to develop maximum varietal flavour and ripeness.

The first varieties (Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon) were planted in 1983. Those first two hectares were followed in 1986 with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with further plantings of Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. Later planting included Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In 1996, the 10th anniversary of our first vintage an additional area was planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Further plantings of Riesling, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc have taken the total area planted to 30 acres.

Most of the grapes are produced on the Estate, which now incorporates a 200 tonne winery. The winemaker is Angelo and Wendy’s son, Robert who completed the oenology degree at Charles Sturt University in 1998. In 2005 Robert received the Young Achiever Award from the Wine Industry Association of Western Australia. In 2006 Wine Selectors honoured him with their Young Wine Maker of the Year Award.

The lower maximum temperatures and cool nights during the growing season (September to April ) ensure that Riesling and Pinot Noir produce consistently excellent fruit, the climate is proving to be very favourable for Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.