Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir Walker Bay 2017 750ml

After the uncomfortably warm 2016 season, 2017 was more balanced and temperate in Walker Bay and its three key Hemel-en-Aarde wards, of which this is the lowest and most maritime. The wine is translucent red in colour, with dark, alluring plum and raspberry fruits and soft spice. On the palate the wine is intense, vivid and fresh, with the lyricism and lift which should always characterise this variety, and without the over-dry, abrupt finish and lingering fruitless warmth which can often creep into Pinot produced under very sunny skies. You find ample gathered intensity and energy of fruit here, but no clumsiness. That finesse lasts through to a graceful, stealthy finish. In contrast to other producers, Anthony Hamilton Russell doesn’t believe in cherry-picking individual parcels for a series of special cuvée wines, so this is a synopsis of the best of the estate’s Pinot fruit.

• Country: South Africa
• Region: Overberg
• Appellation: Walker Bay
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red
• Alcohol by Vol: 13.5%

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world’s most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means ‘black pine’ in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.