From a cool vintage, this Pinot is grown on low-vigour stony soils and was matured in new and old French oak for 10 months. There's lovely purity of red berry and cherry fruit on the nose, woven through with earthier savoury and spice hints. That savoury nuance persists on the elegant palate, alongside delicate raspberry and red cherry notes, with fine tannins and a whisper of smoke that emphasises the peristent mineral character. Still young, this will age beautifully.
94 points, Julie Sheppard, Decanter (Mar 2024)
This wine comes from a site with iron-rich soils, resulting in structure and savory aromas. Made with Dijon clones (113, 115, 667 and 777), the Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2023 Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir has dark fruit (blackcurrant), grilled rosemary and a ferrous note of rusty nail. Clones with bigger clusters are used because the site tends to produce small bunches naturally. Anywhere from 10% to 15% whole-cluster fruit is used, depending on vintage. The wine undergoes a wild fermentation, and if the winemaking team does inoculate, they use yeast from the property. Cap management has changed over the years from twice daily punch-downs to a gentle approach resembling a tea infusion, with wine poured over the cap. There is a heavier note to this wine that is specific to this site and builds a robust fruit profile.
93 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2025)
A tight, spicy and savory pinot noir that has aromas of herbal tea, citrus rind, rust, cranberries and wild mushrooms. It’s medium-bodied, firm and well framed. Long and focused. Try from 2025.
93 points, Claire Nesbitt, James Suckling (Aug 2024)
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