Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2023

$110.00

Product Notes

Our low-vigour, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of well under 35 hl/ha and our philosophy of expressing our terroir in our wines – give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of our Pinot noir. Our Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and 'sweet' and it generally shows hints of that alluring savoury 'primal' character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.

Soil: Low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil
Alcohol: 13.52%
Acid: 5.62 g/l
pH: 3.65
Residual Sugar: 1.60 g/l
Barrel Ageing: 10 Months
Oak use: 100% 228 litre French Oak Barrels; 100% tight grain
1st fill: 31%; 2nd fill: 31%; 3rd fill: 30%; 4th fill: 8%
French Coopers: Francois Freres 100%
Yield: 4.50 tons/ha, 27.90 hl/ha
Production: 2854 cases of 12 bottles equivalent
Release date – March 2024
Vegan Friendly

GROWING SEASON

Harvest dates for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were almost uncannily in-line with 2021 and 2022 and our long-term average. But whereas Pinot noir experienced even and easy bud-break, Chardonnay suffered from fewer winter cold units (a particular susceptibility of the variety) and not only had uneven bud-break, but one of our lowest yields in 10 years. This required careful triage, generally three passes per vineyard. Natural acids were very good for both Pinot noir and Chardonnay. At 24.18 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2023 was one of our coolest years on record. Burgundy for the equivalent period has an average of 24.66 Centigrade. For those lucky enough to harvest before the substantial late season rains, 2023 produced vibrant, energetic but textured wines with wonderful natural acidity. An excellent result for a vintage that was not without its challenges.

#93 100 Top Wines of South Africa 2024, James Suckling

94 Points - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2024

94 Points - Julie Sheppard, Decanter, March 2024

93 Points - James Suckling

94 Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024

Emul Ross and proprietor Anthony Hamilton Russell are not afraid to make Pinot Noirs with structure and staying power, even in a wetter vintage like 2023. This has plenty of colour, lots of spicy Francois Freres oak, some underlying ferrous trip, savoury tannins and flavours of plum and black cherry. Substantial, but give it time.

Jonathan Ray, The Spectator, April 2024

...this is sensual and elegant, showing what beauty there is in young Pinot. With its signature purity, spice and touch of savouriness, it will age magnificently, too. And, again, with Burgundy prices going bonkers, this is an utter must for lovers of top-notch sophisticated Pinot.

94 Julie Sheppard, Decanter, March 2024

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 persistent mineral character. Still young, this will age beautifully.

91 Neal Martin, Vinous, September 2024

Fresh and vibrant, the palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red fruit, a crisp line of acidity and a touch of sour cherry on the finish. Very fine.

93 James Suckling

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.

News 24, Wine Editor's Five Most Exciting Vino Finds, Daléne Fourie, February 2026

So I have to confess, this wine I found via a cellar auction, sold out in favour of the current 2024 vintage. Classic, old-world-inspired Pinot Noir. I always remember Anthony Hamilton Russell telling me that he liked wine that had developed and had faint twangs of ancient man on it – thus, even this can be considered too young to consume at three years old.
But it was fabulous. An underlying iron grip, savoury tannins, big and substantial – meant to age. Classic is not a swear word.