Hamilton Russell Vineyards Southern Right Pinotage

Pinotage has a difficult reputation – too often rustic, too often over-extracted. The Southern Right Pinotage from Hamilton Russell Vineyards shows what the grape variety can do when it grows in the right place.

The winery is located in Walker Bay, about 120 kilometers east of Cape Town – one of South Africa's coolest wine regions. The sea breezes from the Atlantic and Indian Ocean ensure long growing seasons and slow ripening. Hamilton Russell, founded in 1975 by Tim Hamilton Russell, has consistently used this coastal influence: first for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, then – under the Southern Right label – also for Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc.

In the glass, it shows a deep ruby red. On the nose, ripe plum, blackberry, and a hint of mocha, underpinned by subtle wood spice. On the palate, juicy fruit, medium tannin with little hardness, lively acidity – and a long finish with a slight smoke note, which is typical for the grape variety, but appears well-integrated here.

Serving temperature: 16–18 °C.
Pairs with: Braised lamb shoulder, grilled beef steak, spicy lentil stews, or aged Cheddar.