| Winemaker |
Hannes Storm |
| Winemakers Approach |
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 best in the New World.  Anthony with winemaker Hannes Storm and viticulturist Johan Montgomery are completely dedicated to expressing the personality of the Hamilton Russell Vineyards terroir in their wines. Tiny yields and intense worldwide demand keep the elegant, highly individual, Estate grown Pinot noir and Chardonnay in very short supply. |
| The Vintage |
A good winter chill was followed by a relatively cool wet spring with particularly heavy rainfall in November, causing some challenges with disease control and contributing to lower yields by interfering with flowering. Nature redeemed itself with sunny dry weather during harvest. A higher than usual number of sunshine days did not result in excessive heat and 2009 was a cooler vintage than average – but not too cool. The grapes of 2009 were characterized by high acidity, low pH, excellent colour, prominent fruit perfume and wonderful tannin. This is a top vintage. |
| The Vineyard |
Grapes are grown in very low-vigour, clay-rich shale derived soils. Soils are handled organically. |
| The Winemaking |
Hand picked, harvested at optimal ripeness, cold maceration for 5 - 10 days, pumped to barrel after cool ferment. |
| Analysis |
|
| Alcohol |
13.94% |
| Residual Sugar |
3.1 g/l |
| Acidity |
6.1 g/l |
| pH |
3.42 |
