"95 Points, Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "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.""
The most southerly vineyards in South Africa belong to Hamilton Russell based in Walker Bay. Only two varieties are grown here: 22 Ha of Pinot Noir vines, and 30 Ha of Chardonnay, in contrast with the usual new world model of growing perhaps 10 different varieties, with no attempt to concentrate on the varieties that best suit the terroir available. Small yields and meticulous vinification ensure the resultant wines are outstanding and Anthony Hamilton-Russell has a justifiable reputation as the Capes Burgundian style specialist. An exceptional new world take on Vosne-Romanee.
