Top Pinot noir Score for Hamilton Russell Vineyards

It is always reassuring to celebrate an important milestone with a great vintage, and our team was really proud that our 33rd vintage of Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot noir was awarded the highest score for a South African Pinot noir in Neal Martin’s October 31st report on South Africa for the Wine Advocate (Robert Parker). Neal has an extremely experienced international palate and a deep understanding of Burgundy, so his recognition of our 2013 Pinot noir was particularly meaningful to us. Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot noir 2013 – 94 Points “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-Romanee Beaux Monts, if it were not for the opulence on the nose. Superb.” Neal Martin, Wine Advocate.   Neal went on to say – “This is one of those Pinot Noirs that I would love to discretely smuggle into a lineup of Burgundy wines to see if professionals can spot the difference, because I for one wager that I probably could not. This is not suggesting the Hamilton Russell’s are mimicking Burgundy, rather a testament to the quality of their wines. That includes their exemplary Chardonnay. Both effortlessly straddle Old World and New World, thanks to both the microclimate and terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley and the talent in the winery.”   He also added in his report – “I have tasted some of the greatest wines from Burgundy and, take it from me, Hemel-en-Aarde is making serious, world-class Pinot Noir”   Neal Martin was not alone in regarding our Pinot noir highly in his report. Master Sommelier and wine writer, John Szabo – who although based in Canada, tastes widely around the world – had this to say when he visited the Hemel-en-Aarde area recently to taste through the Pinot noirs. “Hamilton Russell is the original and still the gold standard for the region. The wines are all class.”   We fully intend that our next 33 years will see us producing even purer and more compelling expressions of our terroir. To this end, we have just completed a major fermentation cellar upgrade to tailor our capacity and tank design specifically to the 8 sites on Hamilton Russell Vineyards contributing to our single Pinot noir. Upgraded cooling, a new and better press and a series of 13 small open fermenters with catwalks enabling more efficient punch-downs should all contribute to ongoing quality improvements.   In the vineyard, we are busy completing our first season of organics in our steady move towards biodynamic farming. So far so good!   All the best and we hope to see you on Hamilton Russell Vineyards soon!