Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2023

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2023

 

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Hamilton Russell
Pinot Noir 2023
  • Vintage : 2023
  • Country : South Africa
  • Region : Walker Bay
  • Subregion
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,8°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

The Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is a refined expression of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley terroir, offering a complex bouquet of dark, spicy fruit with an alluring savory undertone.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 93 2022
WE Wine Enthusiast 92 2022
JS James Suckling 92 2022
WS Wine Spectator 90 2020
TA Tim Atkin 95 2019
DCT Decanter 92 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 91 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where Hamilton Russell Vineyards is located, is a unique wine region situated near Hermanus in the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. This valley, known for its cool maritime mesoclimate, benefits from the close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. The region's climate, with average maximum temperatures of 25.18°C during the crucial months leading up to and during harvest, is ideal for cultivating Pinot Noir, contributing to the slow and extended ripening period that enhances the grape's complexity and depth.

The soil in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is characterized by low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soils. These soils are perfect for viticulture, offering excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to nourish the vines during the dry summer months.

The unique soil composition and the valley's microclimate ensure that the vines produce low yields of small, concentrated berries, which are essential for producing high-quality, expressive wines.

Winemaking

The Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is crafted with a focus on expressing the unique terroir of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The grapes are harvested at low yields of 2.49 tons per hectare (16.18 hl/ha), ensuring concentration and intensity in the fruit. The growing season was marked by a wet winter and a slightly wetter than average bud break to veraison period, followed by a dry September that facilitated healthy, even budding.

After harvest, the wine undergoes fermentation and is then aged for 10 months in 100% French oak barrels. The oak barrels used are 228-liter, tight-grain barrels from Francois Freres, with a specific toasting developed by Hamilton Russell Vineyards. The barrel maturation, with 36% of the barrels being first fill, 36% second fill, and 28% third fill, adds complexity and depth to the wine, imparting subtle oak nuances without overpowering the fruit character.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby red
  • Aroma: A complex bouquet of dark, spicy fruit with hints of savory "primal" character and a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.
  • Palate: Rich and generously textured, with a tight tannin line and elevated length. The wine is not overtly fruity or sweet, showcasing a balance of richness and savory complexity.

Did You Know?

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is renowned for its dedication to expressing the terroir of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley through its wines. The estate's commitment to low yields and meticulous vineyard management ensures that each bottle of Pinot Noir captures the unique characteristics of the region, making it a benchmark for South African Pinot Noir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Salmon: The rich, oily texture of grilled salmon complements the wine's savory and spicy notes, while the acidity of the Pinot Noir cuts through the richness of the fish.
  • Duck Confit: The gamey flavors and crispy skin of duck confit pair beautifully with the wine's dark fruit and savory undertones, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms in a creamy risotto highlight the wine's complex bouquet and add depth to the pairing.
  • Beef Carpaccio: The delicate flavors of beef carpaccio with a drizzle of olive oil and shaved Parmesan enhance the wine's savory and spicy profile, creating a harmonious match.

History of Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Founded in 1975 by Tim Hamilton Russell, the estate was later taken over by his son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, in 1991. Anthony focused exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, registering the vineyard as an estate and dedicating it to expressing its unique terroir.

Extensive soil research identified 130 acres of optimal, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil for cultivation.

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, part of the larger Walker Bay District, Hamilton Russell Vineyards benefits from a cool maritime climate. The soils are rich in iron and clay, contributing to the distinctive quality of the wines.

The estate practices sustainable farming, is certified organic, and is a World Wildlife Fund Conservation Champion.

Wine Range

Hamilton Russell Vineyards produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay:

Did you know?

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is dedicated to expressing the unique personality of its terroir, producing wines with tiny yields and intense worldwide demand, resulting in a limited supply of these highly sought-after wines.

For more information, visit the Hamilton Russell Vineyards official page.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2022)
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+

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 92 Points (2022)
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.

James Suckling (JS) : 92 Points (2022)
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 Spectator (WS) : 90 Points (2020)
A graceful Pinot framed by light, crisp tannins, and a delicate, herbal overtone accenting flavors of ripe red currant and raspberry fruit, Mandarin orange peel and anise. Bright and lingering on the minerally finish.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 95 Points (2019)
Made with 84% purchased fruit because of the fire in Hamilton Russell’s own vineyards, this is a cuvée of the three Hemel-en-Aarde Valley sub-regions, and all the better for it. A one-off it may be, but it’s less earthy and backward than the estate’s normal style, combining fragrance elegance with racy red berry fruit, some clove spice, supporting tannins and stylish oak.

Decanter (DCT) : 92 Points (2019)
Anthony Hamilton Russell hopes this will be a unique wine, being the only HR Pinot Noir to be made with bought-in grapes (generously sold to him by other high-quality producers) when fire hit the estate, with 84% of their own fruit affected. This is a blend of grapes from Upper Hemel-en-Aarde and the Ridge. Very approachable already, attractive red-fruits and a slight earthiness. A fine effort in trying circumstances. Labelled just Hamilton Russell, rather than Hamilton Russell Vineyards to distinguish. (AH) (3/2020)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 91 Points (2019)
The 2019 Pinot Noir is Walker Bay in terms of Wine of Origin rather than Hemel-en-Aarde, since much of their Pinot Noir was rejected after wildfires tainted the fruit. The majority of fruit was sourced from benevolent growers in the valley, and completely destemmed but not crushed, then matured in 24% new French oak. This has an open, quite herbal bouquet of vibrant red and black fruit, underlying sous-bois notes coming through with aeration. The well-balanced palate offers fine-grained tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Open and expressive, with a pinch of black pepper on the cohesive finish. Given the trauma suffered this vintage, this should be considered a success, not least because it still seems to bear the imprimatur of Hamilton Russell. (NM) (4/2021)

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2023
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2023
Hamilton Russell
Chardonnay 2023
RP
94
JS
93
WE
90
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay stands out with its distinct minerality and focused fruit character, offering a harmonious blend of pear and lime flavors elevated by a long, dry finish and bright acidity.
49,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Hamilton Russell Coffret Découverte 2023
Hamilton Russell Coffret Découverte 2023
Hamilton Russell
Coffret Découverte 2023
290,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
53,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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