Hamilton Russell Chardonnay

Wine information: Hamilton Russell Chardonnay is produced at one of the most southerly wine Estates in South Africa and one of the closest to the sea - is located in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The Estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the best in the New World. Founder, Tim Hamilton Russell purchased the undeveloped 170 hectare property in 1975, after an exhaustive search for the most southerly site on which to make South Africa’s top cool climate wines from a selection of noble varieties. His son Anthony Hamilton Russell, who took over in 1991 (finally buying the property in 1994), narrowed the range to Pinot noir and Chardonnay only and registered Hamilton Russell Vineyards as an Estate, committing to work only with grapes from their terroir. Extensive soil research initiated in 1994 identified 52 hectares of stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil as optimal for the individual, origin expressive style they aim for and all plantings have now been limited to this soil type. This 100% Chardonnay is fermented and matured in 228L, light-grained French oak barrels, with a medium to light toasting level. A percentage of wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, whilst the percentage of new oak and the length of time in oak, varies from harvest to harvest. Great care is taken in ensuring that the oak character is well integrated with the fruit character.

Tasting Notes: Hamilton Russell Chardonnay is a tight, minerally wine with classic Hamilton Russell Vineyards length and complexity. A prominent core of intense pear fruit aromas and flavours is brought beautifully into focus by a tight line of natural acid and a dry minerality. An elegant, yet textured and intense wine with a strong personality of both place and vintage.

 
     

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