Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir 1.5L Magnum

From the southernmost wine-growing region of South Africa comes one of the continent's most famous Pinot Noirs – cool, precise, with a depth reminiscent of Burgundy.

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus, just a few kilometers from the Atlantic. Anthony Hamilton Russell established the winery in 1975, deliberately in one of the coolest sites in the Cape region. The soils of weathered shale and clay-loam mixture give the wines their mineral character. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the only grape varieties – a clear decision for focus instead of breadth.

In the glass, the Pinot Noir shows aromas of sour cherry and pomegranate, underpinned by smoke notes, damp forest floor, and a hint of cinnamon bark. The palate is medium-weight with silky tannin, lively acidity, and a long, slightly earthy finish. The 1.5-liter magnum ages more slowly than the standard bottle – those with patience will be rewarded with additional complexity.

• Food: Duck breast with cherry sauce, rack of lamb with herb crust, aged Gruyère
• Temperature: 16–17 °C