2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Casteel

Audrey Fricke/Jeb Dunnuck 97 – “Taking on a magenta hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Casteel cuts through all three properties and takes on fantastic high-toned notes on the nose, along with hints of fresh blue fruit shining through, with notes of cherry eau de vie lavender, wet stones, and gravelly earth, and a long finish.”

Decanter/Clive Pursehouse MW 97 – “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.”

Wine Advocate/Erin Brooks 96 – “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.”