TN: Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir Walker Bay S. Africa 2007

WINE TALK
1

Color: Medium ruby, clean, clear to the rim.

Nose: Red Fruits, spicebox, fresh tobacco,

Palate: Bright red (strawberry?) fruits, pepper and spice notes, more fresh tobacco, very fine, slightly astringent and assertive tannins, ripping acidity and a long finish with fruit and smokey notes mingling.

Overall Perception: This is just a baby and even worse I wrote these notes 15 minutes after the bottle was opened. I will make additions as the night goes on. I am very optimistic about where this will go and will be picking up many more of these to cellar. My guess, 5 to 8 years on this from the intensity of the fruit and acid levels. It is a gawky teenager right now and should have pictures on FB for everyone to laugh at, but it is destined to be something very nice.

2

Okay. Five hours later and obviously there have been some major changes noted.

Nose: The fruit is much deeper and richer with bright strawberry notes mixed with clove spice and cigarbox aromas. There are floral notes to the nose as well. Much more expressive than earlier.

Palate: The wine has picked up some weight, although the brightness of the fruit and acidity are still intense. I don’t think it’s going to budge much beyond this but it is a good sign.

3

Mark - Thanks for the notes- these wines are built to age and are fabulous after 5 years. Looks like I’ll have to scout out some of the 07!

4

Nice note, Mark. Had the 2006 in a blind lineup a few months back, and it completely caught me off guard. Rocking PN from South Africa!