Pinot Noir
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Hemel-en-Aarde, South Africa
The Hamilton Russell Vineyards are among the furthest south in South Africa in the distinctly cooler climate of the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley. In a nod to Burgundian practices, the estate only grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The “once in many lifetimes” Cape Storm of September 24th and 25th, 2023, with extreme wind speeds from the south, significantly compromised flowering, particularly in the Chardonnay, resulting in record low yields. The extremely high rainfall created conditions which meant 2024 was a vintage with unusually high disease pressure right up to the completion of harvest. At 25.05 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, 2024 was a touch warmer than the particularly cool 2023. Uneven berry size – not necessarily a bad thing – was another consequence of high wind and rain during flowering. Harvest was earlier than average and 9 days earlier than 2023. The resulting wines have lighter than usual alcohols, with a beautiful fruit purity and balance. The skilled team nursed wines of great beauty out of a challenging vintage.
"Continuing the move towards great elegance in the Hamilton Russell Pinot Noirs, despite the very low yields of the 2024 vintage, this is a scented, stylish cuvée of clones 113, 115 and 667 from Emul Ross. Perfumed, textured and comparatively approachable, it has scented 32% new wood, pomegranate and black cherry flavours, savoury tannins and impressive palate length." 95pts, Tim Atkin MW, South Africa 2025 Special Report