Hamilton Russell Oregon 2018 Bramble Hill, Ribbon Ridge, OR ($86)
compared with
Hamilton Russell Oregon 2018 Zena Crown, Eola-Amity Hills, OR ($86)
by Andrew Chalk
Both of these wines are good examples of the Oregon style of pinot noir as interpreted by leading South African winemakers.
Bramble Hill, Ribbon Ridge
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Appearance: Translucent ruby. Purple rim.
Nose: Forward fruit. Cherry, Black pepper. Raspberry compote.
Palate: Chewy tannins. Elegant style.
Zena Crown, Eola-Amity Hills
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Appearance: Translucent ruby. Slightly more intense hue than the Bramble Hill.
Nose: Not just forward, but also intense (more so than the Bramble Hill). Raspberry, cranberry. Tomato leaf. Pepper.
Palate: Intense, effusive fruit. Grippy tannins.
A more masculine wine than the Bramble Hill. It is also more complex than the latter.
Samples.