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Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
Kevin's comments: Dark, spicy, complex primary fruit aromas mingle with hints of an alluring "primal" character. Low yields of 36 hl/ha and clay-rich soils have resulted in a certain tightness and elevated length to balance the richness.
Chateau Tasting Notes
HAMILTON RUSSELL VINEYARDS, SOUTH AFRICA
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, one of the most southerly in South Africa, are in the Walker Bay district behind the old fishing village of Hermanus, 3km inland from the south Atlantic. The vineyards enjoy the benefits of close proximity to the sea. These vineyards are protected from the south-east wind that blows over the Walker Bay in summer months, by the steep cliffs. These cliffs make up the Raed-na-Gael range, that forms the backdrop to the narrow coastal plain on which the village of Hermanus is situated.
Founder Tim Hamilton-Russell searched for 10 years to find the ideal terroir to establish what he aimed to be the vineyard capable of producing South Africa's top cool climate wines. He developed the site from scratch in the 1970s and has now handed over the Estate to his son Anthony, who with winemaker Kevin Grant, is committed to building on the success his father achieved and pushing Hamilton Russell wines even further up the quality scale.
The 64 hectares of vineyards are all located on the Hamilton Russell Estate, within a short distance from their centrally located cellar and comprise 23 hectares of Pinot Noir, 28 hectares of Chardonnay and 13 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc. Their overriding viticultural goal is to achieve fully-balanced vine growth, with naturally open vine canopies and good fruit exposure to sunlight with excessive temperatures.
Hamilton Russell's distinguished oak-aged wines are in very short supply. They combine old world elegance and longevity with new world forward fruit, which makes them immediately appealing, and offer a unique expression of the personality of the vineyard in which they were made.
HAMILTON RUSSELL PINOT NOIR
Grapes: 100% Estate grown Pinot Noir from 23 hectares of vines. The vines are divided into 9 individual vineyards, each with their own distinct personality.
Notes: Consistent with the character of their terroir, this Pinot Noir combines Old World elegance and expression of origin with New World forward fruit and immediate appeal.
Hamilton Russell is extremely careful in avoiding harsh, dry tannins and prominent oak character.
Serve: At room temperature to accompany roast or grilled red meats and rich pasta dishes.
Colour: Light garnet
Taste: Finely oaked, with aromas and flavours of raspberry, cherry and plum, with hints of game, develop to a deeper more complex, earthy, mushroom character with bottle age. The Pinot-flavoured ripe sweetness is held together by fair tannins and perfect balance.
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