Hamilton Russell Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir 2015

An early, quick and cooler than average vintage and yet, counterintuitively, the alcohol is higher than average (over 14%) and the wine more opulent, softer and fuller textured than most. The nose has a flamboyant prettiness and immediacy – heady roses, earthy spice and sweet cherries. The palate is rich and sensual, but there’s a tangy red-cherry vibrancy and characteristic savoury accent, tannic backbone and tension. For now, generosity and bonhomie have the upper hand, but an underlying rigour will carry this forward with developing complexity. Emul Ross’ first full vintage.