Winery - Hamilton Russell
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Hamilton Russell continues to lead the pack in producing consistent, elegant wines. Though pretty, the wine has a South African edge, but it adds character to the soft spice and red and black cherry flavors. Minerality and acidity add balance. Overall, a classic, collectible Pinot.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Well known for their Pinot Noir, Hamilton Russell produces one of the finest South African offerings from the variety. Lively and complex notes of fresh mint and black pepper spice up the red berry and cherry flavors. Soft tannins provide a delicate framework, with a medium-length finish sealing the deal.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Dark fruit, licorice and spice give this wine depth but the overall character is very soft and integrated. There’s intensity—the wine can age—but right now, it’s a sophisticated sip that will pair beautifully with food.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This French-style Chardonnay from a premium producer in Walker Bay shows how well New World and Old World styles can work together with the help of excellent winemaking. Delicious toasty aromas lead into a minerally, restrained flavor profile, but the wine has a creamy texture which balances well with lively acidity. A lovely wine at a good price.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Produced from the cool vineyards at the southern tip of Africa, Hamilton Russell’s Chardonnays are world-class wines, fine examples of French winemaking in a South African context. This 2000 is one of the estate’s finest to date, a melange of lemon and nuts, mingled with smoky wood flavors, with a layer of acidity and structure that give it great aging ability.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Nutty, spicy aromas are followed by a beautiful mélange of toasted nut, cream and fresh fruit. The wine is rounded and elegant with its mineral lift and toasted finish. Pair with lobster, salmon and poultry.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A perennial powerhouse Chardonnay from the Cape, this vintage starts off with strong aromas of popcorn and butter before smoothing out and offering flowery orange and white stone fruit notes. Full-bodied, with beautiful balance, the flavors of papaya, mango, spice and vanilla are perfectly integrated. The finish is long; the only thing this winner really needs is a little more heft in the midpalate. Imported by Vineyard Brands.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A stunning Chard, one of South Africa’s best, that can truly compete with some of the classics at a fraction of the cost. Rich and ripe with notes of red apple flesh, melon, orange oil and a soft hint of toasted woodiness. It’s full in the mouth but balanced by superb minerality and medium acidity. The finish is long with a fresh hazelnut driven nuttiness lingering throughout.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A taut and fine-tuned, yet large-scale, lavishly-oaked white that projects suave appeal and will wow fans of the WTNFO (well-toasted new French oak) style. Lives up to its bold Burgundian pretensions with a lean, angular stance and long, stylish finish. The persistent intense wood leads one to ponder which shines more brightly--the fruit or the classy oak suit it wears. But tasty? Oh, yes indeed.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This complex Chardonnay from the venerable Hamilton Russell Vineyards offers pronounced pear and citrus aromas and an elegant balance of fresh fruit and tight acidity on the palate. Intense and with a lingering palate, the wine has a place alongside gourmet dishes: think seafood, poultry, or savor alone.
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