Hamilton Russell Chardonnay

Hamilton Russell Vineyards, one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea, pioneered viticulture and winemaking 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 finest 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.

Anthony with his wife Olive, winemaker Emul Ross and viticulturist Johan Montgomery are completely dedicated to expressing the personality of the Hamilton Russell Vineyards terroir in their wines.

Chardonnay,

Tiny yields and intense worldwide demand keep the elegant, highly individual, Estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in very short supply.

A true Grand Cru of South Africa, from a winery very close to the sea. That means ocean cooled fruit and in this wine, great finesse and balance. Fermented and aged in French oak, it combines mineral zip with ripe fruit and spice.

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.