Hamilton RussellPinot Noir 2019

Having only been bottled a couple of months ago, this 2019 cuvee is wonderfully generous and opulent with layered aromatics of ripe blood oranges, bruleed wood spice, sun raisined red cherry, red bramble berries and subtle hints of pomegranate spice. The palate is perhaps more fleshy, supple and open than a normal Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir would be at this youthful stage in its life but it is certainly no less juicy, mouth watering and seductive. The bright fruit forward expression, however attractive, does perhaps obscure some of the usual structure and mineral restraint found on most vintages of Hamilton Russell new releases, however as Anthony commented, “it’s almost like we have just changed coopers or barrel toasting as the fruit quality is still exceptional.” There is fabulous earthy red berry fruit complexity bolstered by fine creamy tannins and soft, tangy acids that steer the wine to a long, glycerol, textured finish packed with oodles of sex appeal. This may be a once-off cuvee born out of tragedy but it is certainly a triumphant wine with great character and upfront appeal. Drink from release or cellar for 6 to 8+ years.

Anthony Hamilton Russell hopes this will be a unique wine, being the only HR Pinot Noir to be made with bought-in grapes (generously sold to him by other high-quality producers) when fire hit the estate, with 84% of their own fruit affected. This is a blend of grapes from Upper Hemel-en-Aarde and the Ridge. Very approachable already, attractive red-fruits and a slight earthiness. A fine effort in trying circumstances. Labelled just Hamilton Russell, rather than Hamilton Russell Vineyards to distinguish.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2026

Made with 84% purchased fruit because of the fire in Hamilton Russell´s own vineyards, this is a cuvée of the three Hemel-en-Aarde Valley sub-regions, and all the better for it. A one-off it may be, but it´s less earthy and backward than the estate´s normal style, combining fragrance elegance with racy red berry fruit, some clove spice, supporting tannins and stylish oak.