Hamilton Russell, Pinot Noir, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Founded by Anthony Hamilton Russell in 1994, Southern Right’s aim is to produce a serious, age-worthy Pinotage (South Africa’s unique red grape variety) combining a distinct South African fruit and flavor expression with classic styling and refinement. In 2005, a stunningly beautiful 1,125 acre property on the western border of Hamilton Russell Vineyards was purchased as a long-term home for Southern Right, and in 2009, a 350 ton “Overberg”-style cellar, was completed on the property just in time for the 2009 harvest. Today the winery produces a Pinotage and a Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are named after the rare Southern Right whales, which frequent the cool South Atlantic Walker Bay, two miles from the vineyards. With each bottle sold, Southern Right makes a contribution to their conservation. 

Winemaker
Emul Ross

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Walker Bay, South Africa

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The Pinot Noir is not overtly fruity, but soft and "sweet" and it generally shows hints of that alluring savory "primal" character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.

95 Points - Owen Bargreen
The brilliant 2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is a highly nuanced, stunning rendition of this wine winemaker Emul Ross. Sourced from their estate vineyards in Hemel-En-Aarde, this offers kumquat zest and black truffle crudo on the nose alongside shades of pomegranate seed and damp earth. The palate is laden with minerality, showing a smooth mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Enjoy this stunner now and over the next fifteen years. 

95 Points - Falstaff
Cherry red, unfiltered. Herbal-spicy even more than fruity, with thyme and mint. Also sweet cherry. In the mouth, the wine is classically constructed, with fine-grained tannins in medium-high to high quantities, lots of juice and a lively acid backbone and a clear chalky-mineral finish. A fine elegance! 

93 Points - Wine Advocate
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.

92 Points - James Suckling
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.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
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.

91 Points - Wine Spectator
Detailed notes of plum skin, mulberry, paprika, eucalyptus and dried thyme are layered with fine, crisp tannins in this elegant red. Light- to medium-bodied and focused, with a subtle, minerally finish of smoke and tar accents. Drink now through 2029. 2,304 cases made.

Product size: 750ml