Wines Walker Bay Hamilton Russell Vineyards - Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is one of South Africa’s most renowned estates, especially acclaimed for its Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Walker Bay. The 2022 vintage continues this legacy, offering a red wine with remarkable finesse and purity. Crafted with meticulous care, the wine is made predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes, which thrive in the cooler maritime climate of the region. The winemaking process emphasises minimal intervention; fermentation takes place in small open-top containers, followed by ageing in a balanced mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels. The result is a wine that exudes characteristic notes of wild berry, cherry, and subtle earthiness, intertwined with hints of spice and a fine mineral undertone, all supported by silky yet structured tannins.

The Walker Bay appellation forms part of the Cape South Coast, where the influence of the Atlantic Ocean tempers the climate, ensuring slow and even ripening of the grapes. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, translating to “Heaven and Earth”, benefits from cool sea breezes and morning mists, allied with low-vigour clay and shale-rich soils. This unique terroir, combined with a long growing season, yields wines of elegance, bright acidity, and genuine expression. The region, though comparatively young in South Africa’s wine history, has rapidly built a reputation as a premier site for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, drawing comparisons with some of the world’s great cool-climate winegrowing areas.

For food pairings, the subtlety and complexity of this Pinot Noir make it a superb match for herb-roasted duck breast, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, or earthy mushroom risotto. Local options such as springbok carpaccio or ostrich fillet also align beautifully, echoing the aromatic layers of the wine without overpowering it.

To enjoy the wine at its best, serve it slightly cool—around 14-16°C. Use large Burgundy-style glasses to allow the bouquet to fully develop and, if possible, decant gently for forty minutes to open up its nuanced palate. This wine promises a captivating experience whether savoured now or cellared for additional complexity.