Burgundy and Champagne

Timed Online Auction, 28 August - 9 September 2024

Burgundy - Red
About the Session

Burgundy, a region steeped in history with vineyards tracing their origins back to medieval times, boasts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties that have gained worldwide recognition as the epitome of quality.


Sold for

ZAR 5 277
Lot 90
  • Hamilton Russell Vineyards; Pinot Noir; 1997; 4 (1 x 4); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 5 500 - 10 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 5 277

About this Item

1997 Pinot Noir
4 (1 x 4) 750ml

Located behind the old fishing village of Hermanus, is one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa, Hamilton Russell. The estate was purchased in 1975 by Tim Hamilton Russell and in 1991 his son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, took over and immediately narrowed their range down to only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This proved to be a masterstroke and made the Hemel-en-Aarde valley notorious for producing the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in South Africa and a recognised expression outside of Burgundy.

Producer Notes: Our low-vigour, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of under 35 hl/ha and our philosophy of expressing our terroir in our wines – give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of our Pinot noir. Our Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and “sweet” and it generally shows hints of that alluring savoury “primal” character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.

Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

'An intriguing Pinot with lovely floral, fragrant and fresh aromas and plenty of sous-bois character, redcurrant and plum fruit on the palate. 1997 started to show the effect of different trial plantings of clones 115, 113 and 777. There's crisp acidity but it's plush and voluptuous with sweet fruit notes still evident – a fine Pinot of balance and finesse, and the potential to last for several more years. Matured eight months in 228L French oak barrels.' - Andy Howard MW, Decanter.com, 93/100 (Mar 2022)

'Garnet colour with a broad, watery rim. Pale. The merest notions of caramel and mocha plays faintly on the nose. Then there is a touch of pepper, leather, earth. The palate has a touch of miso savouriness and again that freshness, even though there is a wonderful ripeness here, something slightly richer. Still with some tannic feel. Wonderfully rich, really long and resonant.' - Falfstaff, 94/100 (Aug 2021)

Notes

Please take note of the label condition - as per the image.

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