Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Oz Clarke, wine writer, UK ".... superb, restrained, Burgundian Chardonnay and Pinot noir that set a standard for the rest of the hemisphere..."One of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa, this Pinot noir and Chardonnay specialist pioneered viticulture in the beautiful, cool, maritime, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. Founder, Tim Hamilton Russell, purchased the undeveloped 170 hectare property in 1975, after an exhaustive search for the most southerly site on which to make South Africa’s top cool climate wines from a selection of noble varieties.

On the nose there is aromas of stewed plums, red cherries and blackberry. On the palate this Pinot Noir is not overly fruity, with notes of forest floor, mushroom and anise joining the bouquet. The flavour of primary fruit is still evident but this does not dominate the palate, subtle tannins are expertly used to balance the richness of this wine and marry the savoury and sweet characteristics. The hints of alluring savoury “primal” character make this wine very moreish as well as the dark spicy complex fruit perfume.

Drink with roasted loin of venison with a redcurrant sauce

Vines are planted on low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, iron-rich and shale-derived soil. The vineyards enjoy a cool maritime climate which produce naturally small yields. The wine is Matured for 10 months in 228 litre French Oak barrels.