HAMILTON RUSSELL OREGON
WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON 2018
As the founding winery within South Africa’s Walker Bay region, Hamilton Russell has today become “one of the most recognized brands in the U.S. market, and rightfully so, as it has become the flag bearer for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from South Africa...the Pinot Noir here is decidedly Burgundian in style, with subtle perfume, stylish texture and long, lingering, gentle flavors” (Wine Spectator). After building a reputation on this unique terroir for more than 40 vintages, the winery has expanded to the northern hemisphere with the debut of Hamilton Russell Oregon. Today we present two site-specific 2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon Pinot Noirs from the lauded Eola-Amity Hills and Ribbon Ridge appellations, both sub-AVAs within the Willamette Valley. Both wines display the bright purity of Oregon fruit coupled with the elegance and restraint of great European Pinot Noir. For one week, you can collect both labels with special Mix & Match pricing more than 20% off!
The two wines showcase the variation of terroir within the appellations; while they both present dense, complex layers of flavor on lithe and elegant frames, that is where the similarities end. Within Eola-Amity Hills, the source of today’s Zena Crown label, soils are shallow and rocky and Pacific winds blow over the vineyards, dramatically lowering temperatures in the afternoons and evenings, thus promoting acidity and extending ripening. The 2018 Hamilton Russell Zena Crown Pinot Noir aged 14 months in French oak, 30% new, and is a stunning, dark scarlet red in the glass. The wine boasts a profile of black cherry, cola, licorice, and exotic spices amid finely integrated tannins.
A sub-zone of the sub-zone Chehalem Mountain, the Ribbon Ridge AVA is the source of Hamilton Russell’s Bramble Hill label. The vineyards are protected by the surrounding Chehalem Mountains, and the region is noted for its consistent soil type, primarily marine sedimentary soils. Climatically, Ribbon Ridge can be characterized by earlier warming in the spring, less diurnal temperature shifts, and a longer growing season. The 2018 Bramble Hill also aged 14 months in 228-liter French oak barrels, though about 50% new. The wine unveils itself in the glass with aromas of raspberry compote, stony minerality, and earth, then gives way to flavors of cherry liqueur and baking spice. Hamilton Russell brings years of expertise in crafting Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, and it appears the estate has quickly found its stride within Oregon as well. Don’t miss your chance to secure both of today’s debut labels!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2021. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CO, NY, TN, or WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
