Castle Rock

Founded in 1994, Castle Rock Winery has maintained its focus on producing high quality wines at affordable prices. Instead of owning their own Castle Rock vineyards they choose to source grapes from around 40 different experienced grape growers to produce their line of Castle Rock wines. Our Castle Rock reviews indicate that all the grapes utilized to produce these wines derive from vineyards located in California (Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Monterey County, Alexander Valley), Oregon (Willamette Valley), and Washington (Columbia Valley). Winemaker August “Joe” Briggs then works with vineyard owners to produce wines that meet with each specific appellation requirements. The wines are then made and bottled at wineries located throughout Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Oregon's Willamette Valley, and Washington’s Columbia Valley. Our Castle Rock ratings illustrate the consistent value and quality that their portfolio of wines has to offer.

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Castle Rock 2005 Reserve Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Price $15

This is really a nice Chardonnay especially at this price. From the appealing tropical fruit pie filling, tart green apple, kumquat, pear sorbet and sweet toasty oak flavors to the buttery, creamy texture, you’d guess it cost a lot more. — S.H. (2/1/2007)

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Castle Rock 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

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Price $12

Castle Rock does a fine job with this value Cabernet Sauvignon. Smooth and supple, the very pretty fruit flavors range from cranberry to black cherry. Delicate suggestions of mushroom, cocoa and dusty earth add welcome complexity. — P.G. (7/1/2012)

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Castle Rock 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Best Buy

Price $11

Though Castle Rock is a California winery, this is a Columbia Valley wine; they purchase the juice in Washington and bottle in California. Despite the generic feel to the package, this is the real deal: Smooth and appealing plum and pie cherry fruit is distinctly marked with cinnamon and light cocoa. Substantive and seamless, it carries well into a lingering finish… — P.G. (4/1/2006)

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Castle Rock 2006 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Best Buy

Price $10

Somehow, this California winery manages to put out the best budget Syrah in all of Washington State. Pure varietal, this excellent bottle brings clean berry fruit, natural acids and moderate tannins into play, with none of the bizarrely sweet vanilla and tobacco flavors that typically show up on Yellowtail wannabes. This wine just wants to be what it is—affordable… — P.G. (12/31/2008)

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Castle Rock 2006 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Best Buy

Price $12

Another winner from Castle Rock, this is a lovely Merlot, pure and true, with a luscious core of soft, sweet cherry candy fruit. Medium weight, excellent balance, exceptional clarity and freshness for the price. — P.G. (12/31/2008)

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Castle Rock 2008 Riesling (Monterey County)

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Price $12

Shows the brilliantly clean, racy acidity of Monterey that provides backbone and firmness to the citrus, peach, wildflower and mineral flavors. With a hint of diesel, it’s a lovely California Riesling at a great price. — S.H. (2/1/2010)

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Castle Rock 2010 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

Best Buy

Price $11

Value wines like this Castle Rock Chardonnay may soon be a distant memory, if predicted grape shortages come to pass. Soft, ripe and round, this has flavors of pineapple, guava, light vanilla and butter cookie. This is one to grab and savor. — P.G. (9/1/2012)

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Castle Rock 1998 Syrah

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Price $10

At first it seems so easygoing: lots of fruit; a rich, dark, chocolaty wine. But underneath there is a fair amount of structure that will carry it along for a couple of years. I love this style of Californian wine. There's a slight sweetness to the fruit as well as ripe tannins that never intrude. — W.E. (6/1/2003)

Most Reviewed Designations

Barrel Fermented California Cuvee Reserve

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Petite Sirah Petite Verdot Pinot Grigio Pinot Gris Pinot Noir Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Syrah Zinfandel

2009 Va Piano

Having been given almost four years of age prior to release, this deep…

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