- Last updated on March 1, 2023
Welcome! Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir review.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in the cool-climate region of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa.
The winery’s focus on terroir and sustainable farming practices is reflected in their exceptional Pinot Noir wines, and the Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir is no exception.
Find below our Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir Review
- Brand: Hamilton Russell Vineyards
- Grape Varietal: Pinot Noir
- Region: South Africa, Walker Bay
- Tasting Notes: Ripe Cherry & Raspberry fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Burgundy / 55-64 °F (13-18 °C) / Decant ~30mins
- Storage: Up to 5 years
- Price Range: ~$50
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir review: What's its color?
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir has a deep rruby color with a purple hue on the rim and fat slow falling legs.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir review: What are the flavors?
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir is entirely made from Pinot Noir grapes and aged 10 months in French oak barrels.
On the nose, it has a complex bouquet of ripe cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, with subtle hints of earthy notes and vanilla.
On the palate, it has a medium to full body, with a smooth and velvety texture that coats the palate.
The wine’s acidity is well-balanced, providing a long and lingering finish.
The flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum are prominent, complemented by a subtle hint of smokiness and spice.
Is Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir wine sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir wine is a dry wine.
Dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir review: Which food pairs well with it?
The Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
For meat options, pair it with roasted duck, pork tenderloin, or grilled lamb chops.
For vegetarian and vegan options, try it with a mushroom risotto, grilled eggplant, or lentil shepherd’s pie.
For cheese pairings, try it with soft and creamy Brie or aged Gouda.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir review: What's its alcohol content?
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir wine’s alcohol content is 13.4%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have higher calories per glass than wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per gram vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per gram of carbs, which include sugar.
What is Hamilton Russell Vineyards?
Here is an extract from the Hamilton Russell Vineyards website:
“The Estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the finest in the New World.“
Conclusion
The Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir is a testament to the winery’s dedication to producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines.
Its complex and well-balanced flavors make it an excellent pairing for a wide range of dishes, making it a must-try for any wine lover.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Cheers!
