2025 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir

The 2025 Pinot Noir includes 12% whole bunch with the remainder de-stemmed but uncrushed, naturally fermented and matured in 25% new French oak for 10 months. This has a very promising nose: much more lift, purity and exuberance than the `23 that I tasted at the estate a year ago, with blackberry and wild strawberry mixed with a little violet. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly sappy red fruit, nicely balanced, with good body and a prickle of pepperiness on the finish. It has the substance to reward ageing in bottle but you could broach this straight away if inclined. Very fine. 91 points