Pinot Noir
2023
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. The Estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the finest in the New World. Owner, Anthony Hamilton Russell took...
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Emul Ross and proprietor Anthony Hamilton Russell are not afraid to make Pinot noirs with structure and staying power, even in a wetter vintage like 2023. This has plenty of colour, lots of spicy Francois Freres oak, some underlying ferrous trip, savoury tannins and flavours of plum and black cherry. Substantial, but give it time.
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From a cool vintage, this Pinot is grown on low-vigour stony soils and was matured in new and old French oak for 10 months. There's lovely purity of red berry and cherry fruit on the nose, woven through with earthier savoury and spice hints. That savoury nuance persists on the elegant palate, alongside delicate raspberry and red cherry notes, with fine tannins and a whisper of smoke that emphasises the peristent mineral character. Still young, this will age beautifully.
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