Hamilton Russell Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir 2020

Ripeness achieved at the lowest alcohol since 1996. This wine grew on me. At first, the nose seemed slightly fuzzy around the edges, lacking the expected definition and purity, and there was something about it that I can only describe as biscuity. But it gradually gave way to appealing rose-petal and Victoria-plum sweetness, with just a suggestion of vanilla. Taken together with the energy, salty depth and creaminess of the palate, it makes for a lithe and interesting HRV Pinot.