2010 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The sublime 2010 Pinot Noir is aged for 10 months in oak, of which 44% was new and the remainder used. It has a ripe bouquet of redcurrant, strawberry and Morello that shows no signs of under-ripeness that Hamilton’s Pinots occasionally exhibit due to leaf-roll. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe fleshy redcurrant and cranberry fruit that is underpinned by extremely fine tannins. This has wonderful build in the mouth and the finish is exuberant, almost feisty! This is an audacious Pinot Noir from one of South Africa’s top estates. Drink now-2020. Bravo to Hamilton Russell, who have produced an outstanding Pinot Noir in 2010, one of the finest New World expressions of the grape variety that I have encountered. When Hamilton Russell gets it right, they hit bullseye. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; Tel 205-949-6262.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
100% Pinot Noir from the most southerly wine estate in Africa, located in the cool, maritime Walker Bay wine region near the old fishing village of Hermanus. Vines are planted on stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil. Grapes were hand-picked into small tanks and given a cold pre-ferment maceration. Fermented with a combination of cultured and indigenous vineyard yeasts. The wine then spent nine months maturing in small French oak barrels with just a very light filtration prior to bottling. Winemaker Hannes Storm. TA 6.0 g/l, pH 3.40, RS 3.19 g/l. Only slightly beetroot and green… Very serious, well-meaning rendition of Pinot Noir (of which there are few great examples in South Africa). Lots of acidity but definitely getting there. (JR)
Mid bright crimson. Sweet bright red cherry. More savoury on the palate, very slightly singed. Tight, finely structured and very fresh but I don't think it is very good value. (JH)