Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2024

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir, Hermanus, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 2024    

Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir with 10 months in French oak using a combination of first/second/third and fourth fill barrels. Stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil. Very low 13.7hl/ha yield. Wild yeast fermentation.

Located behind the coastal village of Hermanus, the Hamilton Russell vineyards are amongst the most southerly in all of South Africa and are heavily influenced by the maritime climate.

Producer Tasting Note:

Our low-vigour, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of well under 35 hl/ha and our philosophy of expressing our terroir in our wines – give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of our Pinot noir. Our Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and "sweet" and it generally shows hints of that alluring savoury "primal" character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"The dramatic Cape Storm of 23/24 September resulted in reduced yields following uneven flowering, although the overall season was a little warmer than the cool 2023. Yet despite all the challenges this Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot noir has lovely spicy notes, combined with fruit ripeness, richness and very fine tannins. Long, lingering aftertaste. High class. Great Aromas."

94/100 points, Decanter, July 2025

Food Match: Braised chicken with a medley of wild mushrooms, venison loin with redcurrant sauce, Cape Malay sosaties with an apricot marinade, Biltong ravioli