Hamilton Russell Vineyards - Pinot Noir 2017
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde region of South Africa . Founder, Tim Hamilton Russell , a retired advertising executive, founded his pioneering estate in 1975 and was the first in South Africa to try cool-climate winemaking so close to the coast. His son, Anthony Hamilton Russell , who took over in 1991 (and eventually buying the business in 1994), narrowed the range to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay only and pledged to work only with grapes from their land. Extensive soil research initiated in 1994 identified 52 hectares of stony, clay-rich, shale-derived terroirs as optimal for the expressive style of individual origin they aim for and all plantings are now restricted to this type of soil. floor. The company also owns a neighboring winery and a 113-hectare vineyard under the Ashbourne Wines and Southern Right labels. Hamilton Russell is also known for his ties to progressive politics. Tim Hamilton-Russell campaigned for fair payments for workers and signed the Cape Winelands Agreement rejecting Apartheid in 1989. Since 1994, under the ownership of his son Anthony, social initiatives have included the opening of a preschool center for all families in the region. The estate also supports initiatives to maintain biodiversity in the vineyards.
This wine is made from Pinot Noir grown on less vigorous, stony soils, rich in clay and derived from shale. It is aged for 10 months in 228-litre French oak barrels from two coopers: François Frères (67%) and Mercurey (33%). The toasting of these barrels varies: blond (54%), medium (32%) and medium + (14%). The age of the barrels also varies: 37% new, 35% second fill and 28% third fill.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
