A new world icon with old world style
Their low-vigour, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of well under 35 hl/ha and their philosophy of expressing the terroir in the wines - give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of the Pinot noir. Hamilton Russell Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and “sweet” and it generally shows hints of an alluring savoury “primal” character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is located on a 170 hectare property within the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation in the Walker Bay wine district.Founded in 1975, Hamilton Russell Vineyards is a 2nd generation family business, overseen from 1991 by Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell. The estate pioneered the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and are particularly successful in fine gastronomy and are listed by numerous Michelin star restaurants around the world. Famously, the wines produced from the estate are known to bear a remarkable stylistic similarity to the very best Burgundies. The 9 Pinot Noir parcels give Burgundian subtlety, texture and length, a reflection of the stony, iron and clay-rich shale-derived soils on which the wines are grown.
One of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea - Hamilton Russell has pioneered viticulture and winemaking in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The soil is low-vigour, stony, clay-rich and shale-derived.
The timing of our 2022 harvest was similar to 2021, but a touch later than average, and the average of the maximum temperatures for the 4 crucial months leading up to and during harvest was 25.18 centigrade, higher than the long-term average of 24.63 centigrade and higher than 2021. While ripening was slow and extended, harvest was fortunately complete before the first rains in early March. The preceding Winter was our wettest in 24 years and was followed by a slightly wetter than average bud break to veraison period, but with an unusually (and usefully) dry September facilitating healthy, even budding. Apart from cold, wet, early season clay-rich soils inhibiting shoot growth, and a few late season heat spikes creating the potential for sunburn, the vintage proceeded smoothly and delivered beautiful, pure, generously textured wines.
This wine has been matured for 10 months and has gone through Malolactic fermentation in 36% 1st fill, 36% 2nd fill, 28% 3rd fill, in 288 litre French oak barrels.
Best served at room temperature alongside grilled or roasted meats or other rich
dishes.
''Today the winery is one of the most recognised brands on the market (UK) and rightfully so, as it has become the flag bearer for Pinot Noir & Chardonnay from South Africa.'' Bordeaux Index, 2021
