Pinot Noir, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, ZA, 2022

93pts James Suckling

Aromas of cherries and wild strawberries with dried herbs, paprika, citrus rind and stones. Medium-bodied with round texture. Refined and delicate pinot with juicy character, impressive tension and length. Lingering finish with notes of nut shell and spices. Sustainable.

90 Points Vinous

The 2021 Pinot Noir includes 12% whole bunch, the rest de-stemmed but not crushed, matured for nine months in barrel using 27% new oak. It has quite a potent nose with peppermint-tinged red fruit, fine purity and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a sappy entry, mainly brambly red fruit, hints of tobacco and a touch of piquancy on the slightly chewy finish. Fine, but give it a couple of years in bottle.

Winemaker Notes
The Pinot Noir is not overtly fruity, but soft and "sweet" and it generally shows hints of that alluring savory "primal" character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.

History

Hamilton Russell Vineyards – one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea – pioneered viticulture and winemaking in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. Tim Hamilton Russell purchased the undeveloped 425-acre property in 1975, after an exhaustive search for the most southerly site on which to make South Africa’s top cool climate wines from a selection of noble varieties.