WTN: My First South African Pinot Noir

2002 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
My first South African pinot noir, opened by a friend who wanted to teach me something. And that he did, as I would never have guessed pinot noir from the vegetal nose. I would have been more in the cabernet realm. But, the juicy round palate spoke a bit of “pinot” and then the smokey vegetal notes gave it “character”. I liked drinking this wine because it was interesting, refreshing, and had plenty of fruit to roll around the palate. I might not stock up on it, but, I’d be curious to taste more.

The 2002 vintage wasn't the best in the Cape...

Look for the 2005 Hamilton Russell, which is generally agreed to be their best ever.

HRV only grow/make Pinot Noir & Chardonnay.

The 2002 vintage wasn't the best in the Cape...

Look for the 2005 Hamilton Russell, which is generally agreed to be their best ever..

Thanks for the advice..

Slightly off topic, but I have been very impressed with their Chardonnay. It doesn't appear here very often, but I think I have been able to purchase two vintages over the years. Excellent stuff.

[Jenise]

2002 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
My first South African pinot noir, opened by a friend who wanted to teach me something. And that he did, as I would never have guessed pinot noir from the vegetal nose. I would have been more in the cabernet realm. But, the juicy round palate spoke a bit of “pinot” and then the smokey vegetal notes gave it “character”. I liked drinking this wine because it was interesting, refreshing, and had plenty of fruit to roll around the palate. I might not stock up on it, but, I’d be curious to taste more.

When I saw the thread title with your name, I thought "Oh no, please don't let it be the Ham..." as I clicked, and then the thread opened. "Oh crap!", was my next thought. Funny thing is, my concern was for problems other than what you describe. The Hamilton Russells I've had have been unmistakeably pinot noir, but big, ripe and IIRC mildly extracted. I've not been impressed, though if I lived in Johannesberg and had very few 100% pinot noirs at my disposal, I presume I'd be a fan.

It has now been several years since my last taste of HR, but I remember I used to think of both the PN and Chardonnay as the best non-Burgundian "Burgundies" available to me. I think 2001 was the last that vintage that we had here - and my tastes have surely changed much since, but I'm happy to hear that it still provides pleasure.

-O

The Hamilton Russells I've had have been unmistakeably pinot noir, but big, ripe and IIRC mildly extracted..

Interesting, I don't know much about how these wines have varied across vintages. But, although this was a bit soft and juicy, it certainly wasn't Big Ripe and Overextracted..

It has now been several years since my last taste of HR, but I remember I used to think of both the PN and Chardonnay as the best non-Burgundian "Burgundies" available to me. I think 2001 was the last that vintage that we had here - and my tastes have surely changed much since, but I'm happy to hear that it still provides pleasure.

-O

Just picked up a couple of the 2001, and will be drinking them over the next year or two