£34.95 / bottle
£398.43 / case (12+ bottles, 5% off)
12 in stock
| Origin | Hemel en Aarde Valley, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Main Grapes | Chardonnay |
| Other Grapes | Not Blend |
| Vintages | 2022 |
| Bottle Sizes | 75cl |
| Website | Hamilton Russell Vineyards |
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay is a white wine produced in the Hemel en Aarde Valley, a wine region that is part of the coastal wine region of Walker Bay in the Western Cape. Is is widely recognised as being one of the very best South African Chardonnays – sadly there is not much to go around!
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is located just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus and is the most southerly wine estate in South Africa. 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. The estated was founded by Tim Hamilton Russell, who 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.
Tim Hamilton’s son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, took over in 1991 (finally buying the property in 1994) and narrowed the range to Pinot noir and Chardonnay only and registered Hamilton Russell Vineyards as an Estate. As well as this estate, the company also owns nearby Southern Right and Ashbourne (one of the most prestigious Pinotages in the world).
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.
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. After hand-harvesting and pressing 100% of the juice is barrel fermented in 228L French oak barrels. The wine is aged in 300L, tight grain, French oak barrels from Francois Freres cooperage for 9 months. They are a combination of 24% first fill, 32% second fill, 24% third fill and 11% older oak. The casks are “Hamilton Russell Vineyards Toast”.
Vegan and vegetarian friendly.
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.
Try with grilled or roasted seafood like salmon or prawns as well as seared scallops. Creamy pasta dishes with a touch of lemon or garlic can work well.
For the cheeseboard try with mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.