It isn’t every day that a South African winery makes wines from North America. Today I have the pleasure of sharing a really unique project by famed South African producer Hamilton Russell, as they now have a new line of wlnes, ‘Hamilton Russell Oregon.’ Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell consistently craft some of the best wines in South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. They are now producing two Oregon Wines: the 2018 Bramble Hill Pinot Noir and the 2018 Zena Crown Pinot Noir. These wines are cut from a similar vein as his Hemel-en-Aarde Pinots, as they will be similarly age worthy and also show a great combination of tension and terroir.
Hamilton Russell spans more than 40 vintages. One of the iconic figures in South African wines, Anthony Hamilton Russell crafts wines from over 400 acre estate which focuses on terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. For years Anthony was drawn to the wines of the Willamette Valley and he has now been able to source from two great vineyards that are quite diverse. Both wines are downright awesome. The 2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Bramble Hill’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) shows a beautiful red fruit profile that the region is known for, as well as earthy undertones. Even better is the 2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Zena Crown’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which is sourced from one of the great vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, as the wine has glorious tension and marvelous texture. Learn more about these fantastic wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Hamilton Russell Oregon.
2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Bramble Hill’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Bramble Hill’ Pinot Noir is sourced from the Ribbon Ridge AVA in the Willamette Valley. The wine is rich on the mid-palate with chewy tannins that line a deep core of red fruits and peat moss tones. This has a wonderful sense of elegance, freshness and length with a bright core of acidity that races through the palate. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Zena Crown’ Pinot Noir- One of the great sites for Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, the ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ is a dramatic setting in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The nose is seriously good as a light dusting of white pepper combines with shades of black truffle and peat moss that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with a good combination of ripeness, viscosity and tension. Downright juicy red fruits dance with citrus rind and peat moss tones on the palate. Gorgeous to savor right now, the 2018 ‘Zena Crown’ Pinot Noir will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 93