Gary's Wine Club August 2009 Cellar Selection: 2007 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir

2007 Hamilton Russel Vineyards Pinot Noir
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Walker Bay, South Africa
Food pairing: Dijon mustard and rosemary-encrusted rack of lamb
Chosen By: Cathy Wilkes, Internet Wine Sales Manager, Wayne

"When I think Pinot Noir," says Cathy Wilkes, manager of our virtual web store, "the first place that comes to mind is Burgundy, then perhaps California, then Oregon, and the South Island of New Zealand...but never South Africa. But after I tasted Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir for the first time, I realized just what I'd been missing!" The Walker Bay area of South Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet and the cold current from Antarctica flows, provides a cool climate for growing Pinot Noir. And through two generations of stewardship, the Hamilton Russell family has put much effort into determining the perfect varietals and clones to plant in the estate's unique clay, stone and shale soils. Their 2007 Pinot Noir bottling earned 93 points from Wine Spectator, a spot in the Top 60 New World Pinot Noirs by Decanter, and an enthusiastic nod of approval from our own Cathy.

More info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/south_africa/65821.html