Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir
Walker Bay
South Africa
2013

"This Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and sweet and it generally shows hints of that alluring savoury primal character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume."

Wine Spectator: 93 points
Distinctive and alluring, with sassafras, cinnamon, black tea and briar patch aromas all unfurling slowly, while the core offers silky, refined cherry, plum and raspberry fruit flavors. The long, spice-infused finish shows a nicely coiled tension that should unwind in the cellar. Drink now through 2019. 2,300 cases imported.
–JM

Vinous Review: 92 points
Bright red. High-toned aromas of red berries and spices, plus a touch of mint. Pliant but youthfully tight, with strawberry and raspberry flavors dominating. A touch of warmth conveys sweetness without coming off as alcoholic. Sexy earth tones give this wine unusual complexity for a Pinot Noir that's not from Burgundy.
-- Stephen Tanzer

The Wine Advocate: 94 points
The 2013 Pinot Noir was a perfect vintage with a long hang time: cool temperatures during the ripening season, even ripening with good tannin structure. The tannins are so silky,” Hannes enthused, pouring what might turn out to be one of the estate's best Pinot Noirs to date. “There is also a lot of perfume in the wine, much more voluptuous compared to 2012. But it was a small crop – around 25% less than the previous vintage.” Picked from February 10 (five or six days later than the 2012), it has that telltale eucalyptus note on the nose that is immediately reminiscent of the 2001. There is certainly more intensity here than the previous vintage. The palate is very well-balanced with good substance: beautiful, silky tannins and real poise on the Vosne-like finish. Dare I say, you might think that you were drinking say a Vosne-Romanée Beaux Monts, if it were not for the opulence on the nose. Superb.