Castle Rock

Castle Rock Sauvignon Blanc is fresh, crisp, and refreshing, a zesty wine that tastes great with lunch, dinner - or in between! The low price makes it an easy choice for a weekday meal or a large gathering of friends or family. The grapes are sourced from California vineyards with excellent conditions for this variety. The winery describes “aromas of lemongrass, grapefruit and lemon thyme with a hint of minerality. On the palate, it is lively and fresh, with balanced acidity and flavors of pineapple and mandarin, with a lingering citrus zest.” Try it with seafood, chicken, salads, and vegetable dishes.

From vineyards along the Central Coast comes this juicy and affordable Chardonnay. Because of the maritime climate of sunshine, fog and ocean breezes, wines from this region balance intense flavors with bright acidity. In 2023, the Central Coast saw heavy spring rains that replenished drought-stricken soils as well as a summer so cool that harvest started weeks later than usual. Longer “hangtime” enhanced the acidity in the fruit, producing an elegant Chardonnay with a rich, ripe and fruity character. The Wine Enthusiast (91 points) noted, “steely, tart apple and lime balm aromas show on the nose…. The palate is packed with tuberose and guava flavors, proving fresh and tropical.”

Dressage is a new label produced by Castle Rock in celebration of 25 years in the business. According to the winery, “the art of Dressage is about the harmony, elegance and balance between horse and rider.” As Castle Rock sees it, the same holds true for winemaking, with the winemaker working to harmonize the grapes, soils and climate into perfect balance. These elements come into sharp focus in this wine, a Chardonnay from select vineyards along the cool Central Coast. Awarded 86 points by the Wine Enthusiast, Dressage Chardonnay pleases with aromas and flavors of apple and citrus with tropical fruit, subtle oak, and vanilla notes. 

Not to be confused with Syrah, Petite Sirah (a.k.a. Durif) has been part of California winemaking since the earliest days – whether in the “field blends” of the pioneers or as a varietal wine more recently. Black-skinned and high in tannin and acidity, it can add structure and freshness to red blends or produce a lovely varietal that's hearty, age-worthy and generous with dark fruit, spice and floral notes. According to the winery, “this fruity wine is inky and dark plum in color with aromas of blackberry, highlighted by toffee notes and a touch of plum jam. On the palate, it has a robust structure with lively pomegranate notes and hints of mocha on the long harmonious finish. It makes an excellent accompaniment to beef, game, spicy grilled foods and charbroiled meats.” Spice up your weekday meals with this lively red! Great for weekend barbecues, too!

Located 2 hours east of San Francisco in the San Joaquin Valley, Lodi gets overshadowed by at least half a dozen more famous California wine regions. Yet Lodi has had vineyards since the 1850s and currently accounts for 25% of all wine grapes produced in California and 40% of California Zinfandel. Of course, Lodi produces a lot of bargain-priced supermarket wine. But as Lodi’s many old vine vineyards are being rediscovered, the region’s reputation for bold, full-bodied, and delicious Zinfandel has been growing ever higher. According to the winery, the Old Vine Zinfandel “has aromas of ripe bing cherry, anise and boysenberry jam. On the palate it has rounded tannins, carries a note of raspberry, and finishes with a hint of caramel. It provides an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken, steak or lamb and most pasta dishes.”

Castle Rock Merlot is crafted from grapes sourced from vineyards with optimal climate and soil conditions for this classic varietal. So why is this excellent wine so affordable? This is a winery that keeps their organization lean, so they can purchase high-quality fruit and avoid buying bulk market wine. Exhibiting a rich ruby hue, this elegant medium-bodied wine offers aromas expressive of black cherry, blueberry, plum, and spice. The palate is intense and luscious, showcasing a prominent core of berry flavors with notes of caramel and vanilla bean, leading to a gracefully extended and harmonious finish. Castle Rock Merlot will add as much pleasure to simple mid-week meals as to fine cuts of beef, pasta dishes, and an array of cheeses.

The first thing a wine lover needs to know about the Columbia Valley in Washington state is that its climate is not like that of Seattle. Indeed, the largest AVA in the Pacific Northwest has more than 300 sunny days a year and gets about as much rain as the Mohave Desert. On the other hand, at 46° N, it shares the same latitude as the great French wine-growing regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, allowing for long summer days and a lengthy growing season. The Columbia Valley’s long growing season, rich volcanic soils, and plenty of mountain run-off for nurturing vines in the dry climate produce bold and nuanced wines, full of structure and balanced acidity. Produced from vineyards on south-facing hillsides, Castle Rock’s Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, structured and supple. Perfect for summer barbecue!

Located between Monterrey and Santa Barbara, the Paso Robles AVA is not among the Central Coast’s cooler climates. Indeed, the Santa Lucia Mountain Range that forms the AVA’s western border, shields most of Paso Robles AVA from coastal fog and winds, which is why Zinfandel, Syrah, and the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon feature prominently among Paso Robles wineries. On the other hand, because Paso Robles features the widest day-to-night temperature swing in California, red wines develop complex flavors over a long growing season. Diverse soils are another key feature of Paso Robles: granite, marine, and volcanic rocks, calcareous shales and sandstone can often be found within the same vineyard block! With Castle Rock’s Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, you get a classic, dark, rich Cab at a price that merits midweek drinking. Pair it with beef, lamb, or even spaghetti Bolognese.

The cool climate of the Anderson Valley AVA near the rugged Mendocino coast provides excellent conditions for growing Pinot Noir. Moreover, the rural landscape feels worlds away from the crowds and traffic jams of Napa Valley. Castle Rock’s Mendocino Pinot Noir is a wine that aims to please with a medium-bodied structure offering delicate aromas of blackberry, caramel, and cedar. The full mid-palate is highlighted by ripe strawberry leading into a long, refined finish. A great choice for your “everyday wine.” Lamb, chicken, salmon, and light pasta dishes will all pair well with this wine.

Whereas southern Monterey County is warm, dry, and well-suited to Bordeaux varietals, the northern half, with sandy soils and a moist, cool maritime climate, is perfect for such Burgundian varietals as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Cooler summer temperatures allow for a longer growing season for Pinot Noir, while also allowing extra “hang-time” on the vines, giving way to a characteristic depth and concentration of flavor. Castle Rock’s Monterey County Pinot Noir offers a complex palate of cherry, dark cranberry, earth, and smoked meat. Its elegance, medium body, silky texture, and mild tannins make it an excellent match for lamb and chicken as well as salmon or pan-seared tuna steaks.  

Willamette Pinot Noir is a standout among Hotei’s selection of affordable appellation Pinot Noirs produced by the Castle Rock Winery. The cool climate, lengthy growing season, and diverse soils are just part of what makes the Willamette Valley a great region for this varietal. As important is the devotion to a handcrafted approach, organic viticulture and sustainability practiced by so many of the producers there. The Willamette Valley is now recognized for a style of Pinot Noir that’s well-balanced, supple and crisp, lighter in body but as deliciously fruit-forward as its counterparts in California. The winery describes this wine as offering “aromas of cherry and spice. On the palate, it gives flavors of berries, cinnamon, black cherry, sweet vanilla oak, and floral notes with a long velvety finish.” It should pair well with lamb, chicken, pork, salmon, and light pasta dishes.