Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2022

Popping out of the glass with succulent dark red cherries and fresh potpourri essence, the 2022 Pinot Noir bursts with notes of wild herbs and turned earth. Medium-bodied, the palate offers flavors of black raspberry with a firm-gripping tannic edge. It shows seductive florals with spicy flavors and ends with a food-friendly finish. Just under 20,000 bottles were filled after 10 months of barrel aging in 36% new French oak.

The Hamilton Russell winery is a pioneer in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and offers an elegant and spicy Pinot Noir. The nose opens with white pepper and nutmeg. An energized palate and tight tannins provide a good frame for strawberries, cherries and subtle dried herbs. Hints of cardamom appear in the aftertaste.

Detailed notes of plum skin, mulberry, paprika, eucalyptus and dried thyme are layered with fine, crisp tannins in this elegant red. Light- to medium-bodied and focused, with a subtle, minerally finish of smoke and tar accents. Drink now through 2029. 2,304 cases made.

The 2022 Pinot Noir underwent a slightly longer settling than previous vintages as the juice was clean, and they did not want to rack into barrel with too much solids. The generous bouquet has menthol-tinged red cherry fruit, perhaps less complex than the Chardonnay this year. The palate is medium-bodied with tart red cherry fruit and gentle grip. It's very sapid and quite tannic in style, with just a touch of chewiness towards the finish. Fine.