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Hamilton Russell Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir 2012
Stellar new release from South Africa's finest Pinot Noir producer! Limited. 92 Points Robert Parker: "The 2012 Pinot Noir was a season with a long hang time with an above-average size of crop – a season with no ups and downs," Hannes Storm explained. It has a perfumed, floral bouquet with wilted rose petals infusing the red cherries, bergamot and fresh strawberry scents. The palate is clean and pixelated on the entry, adorned with a satin-like texture, extremely well-judged acidity and superb poise on the finish. This has gained a little weight over the next 12 months and while I do not think it has the substance for serious long-term aging, it is absolute charmer at this stage.
Ratings on Delectable
Ryan Carey 
Founder Wine Confidential
Good structure on this South African Pinot. May age fairly well, though entirely too fruity. Reminiscent of a pretty solid Santa Barbara Pinot. Not bad, but I'm reaching for another bottle right now
Good structure on this South African Pinot. May age fairly well, though entirely too fruity. Reminiscent of a pretty solid Santa Barbara Pinot. Not bad, but I'm reaching for another bottle right now
8.5
Yoon Ha
Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu
Delicate, precise and lace-like. Juicy and understated.
Delicate, precise and lace-like. Juicy and understated.
9.1Adam K.
This really started to shine after a little time in the glass. Wow.
This really started to shine after a little time in the glass. Wow.
9.3
Corey Zamora, CSW
Like a strawberry BBQ. Smoky sweet, delicate pinot. Really good.
Like a strawberry BBQ. Smoky sweet, delicate pinot. Really good.
9.3
Bob Jones
Smooth, delicious. Taste for me is cherry, sweet with a bit of tartness, and some light char from the barrel. It'd be easy to polish off a bottle.
Smooth, delicious. Taste for me is cherry, sweet with a bit of tartness, and some light char from the barrel. It'd be easy to polish off a bottle.
9.0Rassadkin Alexander
Гранатовое. Зрелое, перезрелые ягоды, чуть животинки, леса. Кислотность средняя, танин округл. Хорошее развитие, богат, но долго в бокале не стоит.
Гранатовое. Зрелое, перезрелые ягоды, чуть животинки, леса. Кислотность средняя, танин округл. Хорошее развитие, богат, но долго в бокале не стоит.
9.0James Gourley
Nose is better than the palate on this wine. Lots of nuanced woody, chocolaty and spicy secondary aromas. However, the palate starts strong but ends rather abruptly. Maybe it needs to lay down a bit longer.
Nose is better than the palate on this wine. Lots of nuanced woody, chocolaty and spicy secondary aromas. However, the palate starts strong but ends rather abruptly. Maybe it needs to lay down a bit longer.
9.1Tim Moran
2012 Vintage
2012 Vintage
9.0Alfonso Beaufils
Nice long woody and creamy taste and smokey touch
Nice long woody and creamy taste and smokey touch
9.1
Jeremy Hartman
Slender and sexy, like a sophisticated French escort. A gorgeous display of what Pinot Noir should be.
Slender and sexy, like a sophisticated French escort. A gorgeous display of what Pinot Noir should be.
9.3
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