96 points, Tim Atkin MW
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94 points, Decanter
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92 points, Wine Spectator
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92 points, James Suckling
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About the Wine
Critic Reviews
96 points, Tim Atkin MW
94 points, Decanter
92 points, James Suckling
92 points, Wine Spectator
“Emul Ross describes the 2021 vintage in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as “”exceptional”” and this refined, focused Chardonnay proves his point. Aniseed and subtle gunflint notes segue into a balanced, focused palate, with 15% malolactic adding a little cream to the flavors of pear, citrus peel, and lemon grass. Classy stuff.”
94 points, Decanter
“A very successful wine this vintage, with its mineral notes and finesse illustrating the cooler character of the vintage. Saline and creamy on the palate with fine integration of oak, peach and pear fruit and an intriguing lime zest note, all kept fresh and focussed with lingering, cleansing acidity. Give this a couple of years and then enjoy.”
92 points, James Suckling
“Inviting aromas of lemon peel, white peaches, sweet thyme, and lavender. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Bright, expressive, and a bit stony. Subtle tannins give lovely structure and length to the charming fresh fruit. Sustainable. Drink or hold.”
92 points, Wine Spectator
“An elegant white, fresh and focused, with deftly knit layers of ripe yellow plum and apple, salted Marcona almond, honeysuckle and verbena expanding on the palate and through the spice- and mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2028.”
About The Winery
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. Tim Hamilton Russell purchased the undeveloped 425-acre 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 only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and registered Hamilton Russell Vineyards as an Estate, committing to work only with grapes from their terroir. Today, Anthony and 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. Tiny yields and intense worldwide demand keep the elegant, highly individual, estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in very short supply.
