Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2023

Region: Hemel En Aarde

Tasting note:

‘Graceful, flavoursome 2023 is poised on tightrope of pristine fruit vibrancy & oak-imparted cream & pastry richness. Textured, lipsmacking dry finish tilts the balance toward vivacity, with notes of tangy pomelo & wet stones. Bodes well for long ageing, like 2022 (4.5 stars, 94 pts). Wholebunch ferment with indigenous & wild yeast, 9 months on lees in barrel, 25% new, 40% through malo.’ – Platter 2025 5*

‘Hamilton Russell’s excellent Chardonnay has been a benchmark for as long as I can remember, a Cape calling card for the variety on international markets. This is typically intense, complex and layered, with notes of buttered croissant, stone fruit and honey, well- judged underlying freshness and acidity and stylishly handled 24% new wood. 2024-30’ – Tim Atkin MW

‘Matured in 300-litre barrels, of which 24% were first-fill, the wine is, to put it briefly, elegant. Floral perfume, pear, citrus, a touch of vanilla and spice and the merest hint of flinty reduction on the nose while the palate shows good fruit definition, present but inconspicuous acidity, and a gently savoury finish. Relatively light-bodied (alc: 13.5%) and yet still intricate.’ – CE

‘A tight, minerally wine with classic Hamilton Russell Vineyards length and complexity. Unusually prominent pear and lime fruit aromas and flavours are brought beautifully into focus by a tight line of bright natural acid and a long, dry minerality. An elegant, yet textured and intense wine with a strong personality of both place and vintage.’ – Winemaker