The wines of Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Walker Bay, South Africa
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
Tel: +27(0) 283 23595
UK agent: Averys (01275 811100)

Hamilton Russell is one of South Africa’s leading producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, located in the cool Walker Bay region. Just two wines are made: they stick to what they’re good at. See also my review of previous vintages of these wines, which has some more background information on this estate.

Pinot Noir 2000
Mid coloured. Pronounced herbal/medicinal edge to the nose, with a spicy streak. Powerful, pungent palate shows good concentration of herb-tinged fruit, spicy complexity and fairly tight tannins. Pretty varietally true with great potential. Very good/excellent (£17.99 Berry Bros, Discover Wine, Andrew Chapman, Nickolls & Perks)

Chardonnay 2000
Wonderfully rich nose: intense spicy, figgy tropical fruit with a nutty edge. Complex, tight knit palate with spicy fruit, unobtrusive oak and lots of acidity. Superconcentrated and very youthful, this needs time to open out. Very good/excellent (£12.99 Lay & Wheeler, New World Wines, Handford, Oddbins)

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wines tasted November 2001