Source: Issue 253 End of February 2021, The Wine Advocate; Issue Date: 27th Feb 2021 (RP-90)

Before I begin my tasting note, I'd like to quickly focus on what Hamilton Russell has written on the back of their 2019 Pinot Noir label. While wildfires are not an uncommon occurrence for South Africa, it is refreshing to see such high integrity and transparency as Hamilton Russell has displayed in a challenging situation. Bottled as Walker Bay wine of origin, they had to reject almost all of their Pinot Noir vineyard fruit due to a wildfire. The estate stands to gain more trust and brand loyalty from their followers from the decision to be completely open and transparent about what happened to them and their Pinot Noir in 2019. I wish more of the world were as honest and transparent as Hamilton Russell has demonstrated to every consumer of this vintage. I don't know everything there is to know about building brand loyalty, but I am confident that the first chapter of that playbook begins with what Hamilton Russell has written on the back of this particular bottling. Hamilton Russell: Good game—well played! Now, where was I...
Displaying a classic ruby centre, the 2019 Pinot Noir opens with soft expressions of red cherry skin, potpourri and wild strawberry, with a subtle undertone of French baking spices and a slight stemminess. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the wine offers subtle flavours of wild brush, red plum skin and spiced red tea, with a balanced frame and succulent acidity across the mid-palate. Ending with a slightly spicy and tannic finish, the wine remains a delightful expression of Pinot Noir but will be the outlier in a vertical tasting.
Drink Date 2021 - 2029