In 1975, Tim Hamilton-Russell, then chairman of J. Walter Thompson, bought land in the cool, southerly, undeveloped Walker Bay region to produce Burgundy style wines as a hobby. His son, Anthony, joined the venture in 1991. Anthony identified 52 hectares as optimal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In 1998, he bought an adjacent estate, renamed it Southern Right Cellars and planted it to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. Part of the sales proceeds go to a Southern Right Whale Conservation fund. Anthony's goal is to produce wines with a ""sense of place."" Pinotage is a uniquely South African varietal. This spicy, earthy wine has ripe plum flavors. It is classically styled, age-worthy and a good match with food. |
