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Hamilton Russell Pinot Noirs: 1981 to 2021

To celebrate 40 years of Pinot Noir at his Hemel-en-Aarde Valley estate, Anthony Hamilton Russell opened two of only five bottles he has left of the 1981 Grand Vin Noir his father made. Andy Howard MW was there for Decanter to taste that rare gem and 10 other wines from this lauded South African estate.

Outside Burgundy, Hamilton Russell Vineyards is one of the leading producers of cooler-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Situated in the strongly maritime influenced and beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this is one of South Africa’s most southerly wineries and one which continues to adapt and evolve.

The recent launch of Hamilton Russell’s 2021 wines was an opportunity to taste back 40 years to the first vintage made by the late Tim Hamilton Russell, father of the current owner, Anthony.

Scroll down for tasting notes and scores of seven Hamilton Russell Pinot Noirs back to 1981 – plus new releases


Hamilton Russell Pinot Noirs: 1981 to 2021


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