Hamilton Oaks Vineyard

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay 2018

Paul J
9.7

Double blind wine tasting. 3 Whites and 3 Reds:

1. ‘18 Hamilton Russell Chard - WOTN across both whites and reds - complex, refined, fruit integrated with honey, oak, butter, cream, camomile.

2. ‘20 Hartenberg The Eleanor Chard - big wine that could use a few years. Nice fruit and lovely acidity. Mix between a White Burg and Rhone Blend.

3. ‘22 Far Niente Chard - potential, very young, not the best QPR. Reminded me of young Paul Hobbs single vineyard Chards.


1. ‘12 Giacomo Fenocchio 90 di Riserva Barolo - aged showed through nicely, but still lively with dark cherries and ample tannins.

2. ‘20 Vilafonte - decanted, but young and an absolutely massive wine. Black fruit, chewy, with decent sweetness.

3. ‘02 Origin Red Blend - nose of black tar and cigars. Zero fruit and big tar, tobacco, and bbq flavors. Bigger wine than I was expecting.

Great night with great friends!
— 13 days ago

Brooke Weaver Jakubowski
with Brooke
Tom, Severn and 4 others liked this

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir

This is a BIG Pinot. Big, fruit dominated nose, with a little herbal spice on the back end, with hints of black olive and rose permeating throughout. Big palate and body, with an herbal, hay or thyme palate, tannic, with a salinity that’s prominent, with black olive, some tar, and even a smokiness hitting the end, with dark cherry, plum, and a peppery spice showing up loud on the palate. Really good entry to South African Pinot. — 9 months ago

Nine Oaks

Khikhvi 2018

By the glass with lunch, no formal notes. First time ever trying Khikhvi and I can imagine this is how wine was made 1000 years ago. Obviously extended skin contact with a copper salmon color. Funky fresh nose and complex on the palate with all sorts of interesting fruit and non-fruit things going on. Acid and tannin providing good structure. Certainly a change of pace and quite enjoyable actually. — 4 years ago

Brian, Arden and 4 others liked this

Trinity Oaks

California Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Really enjoyed this - had with Chipotle tacos — 12 days ago

Fetzer Vineyards

Valley Oaks California Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

That kinda night! Opened up a 2009 just because. A little dry, but held up nicely. Very enjoyable. — 7 months ago

Paul and Gabriella liked this

Jolie-Laide Wines

Glen Oaks Vineyard Pinot Gris 2020

Unique bronze/pink hue, tangerine, melon, citrus, complex ⚡️😋🥳 — 3 years ago

Severn, Peter and 9 others liked this

J. Lohr

Seven Oaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Continues the tradition of good Cabs. — 14 days ago

Windy Oaks Estate

Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015

Light ruby hue. Aromas of cherry, cream, grass, minerals, and smoke. Medium-light body, soft tannins, and plus acidity. Bright and balanced with a lasting finish. A little tight at first, but softens after opening a while with hints of vanilla on the palate. — 2 years ago