Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Ashbourne Pinotage

9.126 ratings
9.23 pro ratings
Walker Bay , Cape South Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
Pinotage
Chili & Hot Spicy, Hard Cheese, Beef, White Rice, Mushrooms, Pork, Venison, Potato, Tomato-Based, Pungent Cheese, Lamb, Pasta, Salami & Prosciutto, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Anthony took us to the tasting room in their Cellar to taste the Hamilton Russell line of wines.

This was a very nice Pinotage. Not quite the same style as Kanonkop. It’s a little softer and not quite as dark in fruit. Still a very well made wine. Enjoyed it quite a lot.

Photos of, the Hamilton Russell Vineyard, Anthony’s pouring our tasting, barrels around our tasting, and a long view of their property and house on the hilltop.

Anthony took us to the tasting room in their Cellar to taste the Hamilton Russell line of wines.

This was a very nice Pinotage. Not quite the same style as Kanonkop. It’s a little softer and not quite as dark in fruit. Still a very well made wine. Enjoyed it quite a lot.

Photos of, the Hamilton Russell Vineyard, Anthony’s pouring our tasting, barrels around our tasting, and a long view of their property and house on the hilltop.

May 18th, 2019
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

8.8

Medium ruby red with lighter edges. Lovely aged nose with smoky notes, dark red berries, spices and floral. Medium tannins (5/10) and acidity with at most a medium body. Strawberries and cherries on the attack with some damp forest floor notes and gravel in the medium plus finish. A bit floral too with a touch of tartness. Drink till 2019.

Medium ruby red with lighter edges. Lovely aged nose with smoky notes, dark red berries, spices and floral. Medium tannins (5/10) and acidity with at most a medium body. Strawberries and cherries on the attack with some damp forest floor notes and gravel in the medium plus finish. A bit floral too with a touch of tartness. Drink till 2019.

Jan 2nd, 2018
Adam Knoerzer

Lovely Pinotage. I know it's polarizing, but it shouldn't be with wines like this.

Lovely Pinotage. I know it's polarizing, but it shouldn't be with wines like this.

Dec 31st, 2014
Jonathan Gray

If you hate pinotage...

If you hate pinotage...

Mar 20th, 2014
Calla Fogarty

This wine had a wonderful aroma, but it was very closed and took ages to open up. Ripe fruits, strong acidity

This wine had a wonderful aroma, but it was very closed and took ages to open up. Ripe fruits, strong acidity

Feb 18th, 2024
Ray Vanderhoff

Beautifully aged Pinotage. Only 15 barrels made. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, blackberries, violets, leather, tobacco and cedar. Hint of minerality and vanilla on the very long finish. Quite savory (rather than fruit forward) and plush. Still bright, alive and nicely balanced. If tasting blind, I would have called this one a lighter bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot! Very pleasant surprise. Thank You Ron B!

Beautifully aged Pinotage. Only 15 barrels made. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, blackberries, violets, leather, tobacco and cedar. Hint of minerality and vanilla on the very long finish. Quite savory (rather than fruit forward) and plush. Still bright, alive and nicely balanced. If tasting blind, I would have called this one a lighter bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot! Very pleasant surprise. Thank You Ron B!

Oct 8th, 2022
Brendan Baker

Black fruits, drying tannin, much bigger and more extracted than the preceding wines. Even though this is the oldest wine poured, it’s the least open today

Black fruits, drying tannin, much bigger and more extracted than the preceding wines. Even though this is the oldest wine poured, it’s the least open today

Sep 19th, 2019
Mark N Ricca Jr

When this wine is on, it's really on.

When this wine is on, it's really on.

May 4th, 2016
Alexandria Stariha

Ashy and smokey blend together in this very interesting wine!

Ashy and smokey blend together in this very interesting wine!

Sep 16th, 2015
Chelsea Erdmanis

A little bit of a bite but a smooth finish.

A little bit of a bite but a smooth finish.

Apr 26th, 2015