Pinot noir 2022 (Hamilton Russell)

Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Hamilton Russell is a relatively young winery, founded in 1975 when Tim Hamilton Russell bought 170 hectares of virgin land in the gorgeous Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The winery conducted extensive research to identify 52 hectares which are ideally suited to premium winemaking, choosing to focus purely on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These two grapes thrive in the maritime climate of the valley, with sunny days and cooling breezes helping to achieve optimum ripeness in the grapes. This elegant South African Pinot is made in an Old World style from vines grown on stony, clay-rich soils. After the harvest the fruit is aged in a mix of new and used French oak barrels for 10 months before bottling to add extra character and complexity. Dark, spicy fruit dominates on the nose, with ample notes of blackcurrants, ripe dark plums and black cherries and undertones of forest floor, leather and woodsmoke. On the palate there’s a velvety texture, medium body, and rich core of dark fruit which ends in a long and graceful finish. Pair with charcuterie, venison, and rich game stews or cellar for a few more years if desired.