Winemaker Notes
Hamilton Russell's low-vigor, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of well under 35 hl/ha and their philosophy of expressing the terroir in our wines – give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of this Pinot Noir. Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is not overtly fruity, soft and “sweet” and it generally shows hints of that alluring savoury “primal” character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Popping out of the glass with succulent dark red cherries and fresh potpourri essence, the 2022 Pinot Noir bursts with notes of wild herbs and turned earth. Medium-bodied, the palate offers flavors of black raspberry with a firm-gripping tannic edge. It shows seductive florals with spicy flavors and ends with a food-friendly finish. Rating: 93+
-
James Suckling
This is a sleek pinot with notes of cloves, cranberries, thyme and raw mushrooms. Hints of iron. Medium-bodied, savory and nicely balanced, with fine-grained tannins.
-
Wine Enthusiast
The Hamilton Russell winery is a pioneer in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and offers an elegant and spicy Pinot Noir. The nose opens with white pepper and nutmeg. An energized palate and tight tannins provide a good frame for strawberries, cherries and subtle dried herbs. Hints of cardamom appear in the aftertaste.
-
Wine Spectator
Detailed notes of plum skin, mulberry, paprika, eucalyptus and dried thyme are layered with fine, crisp tannins in this elegant red. Light- to medium-bodied and focused, with a subtle, minerally finish of smoke and tar accents. Drink now through 2029. 2,304 cases made.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
A relatively cool, maritime climate area, Walker Bay includes three important wards: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. These sites benefit from the cooling ocean winds and are reputed for the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinotage.