Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, Western Cape SA
Introduction:
The 2022 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay from Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Walker Bay is a benchmark expression of South African chardonnay. It embodies precision, minerality, and restrained elegance — a reflection of both site and skill.
Terroir:
Grapes come from estate vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The vines grow on low-vigor, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soils that provide tension, texture, and mineral focus. Cool maritime breezes and diurnal temperature shifts ensure slow, even ripening and vibrant natural acidity.
Appearance:
Pale gold with a faint straw tint; bright and luminous with gentle viscosity.
Nose:
Aromas of lemon zest, white peach, green pear, and subtle nectarine, complemented by floral hints and fine oak tones of toasted hazelnut and vanilla. A whisper of minerality and saline freshness adds depth.
Palate:
Medium-bodied and impeccably balanced. The fruit is vivid and pure — citrus, apple, and stone fruit — wrapped in fine oak and supported by crisp acidity. Lees contact brings subtle texture, while the mineral core drives precision.
Finish:
Long, focused, and elegant. Citrus and orchard fruit persist with saline and mineral undertones, finishing on a delicate oak-spice note.
Press:
94 points, Wine Advocate:
"Opening to a nose of bright lemon and peach yogurt with hints of banana, the 2022 chardonnay is fresh and citrus-laden. Medium-bodied and with 13.2% alcohol, the palate is fresh, balanced, and spicy, with succulent apple essence before swinging to show an elegant floral notion that finishes fresh and complex."
"Opening to a nose of bright lemon and peach yogurt with hints of banana, the 2022 chardonnay is fresh and citrus-laden. Medium-bodied and with 13.2% alcohol, the palate is fresh, balanced, and spicy, with succulent apple essence before swinging to show an elegant floral notion that finishes fresh and complex."
94 points, Decanter:
"Just starting to drink now. Has good flesh and texture. Plenty of depth here. Crisp acidity, elegant, a fine combination of purity, structure, and length. Should develop into an exceptional wine given a bit of time in the cellar. Following one of the wettest winters in 24 years, flowering took place in good conditions. Yields were relatively generous."
"Just starting to drink now. Has good flesh and texture. Plenty of depth here. Crisp acidity, elegant, a fine combination of purity, structure, and length. Should develop into an exceptional wine given a bit of time in the cellar. Following one of the wettest winters in 24 years, flowering took place in good conditions. Yields were relatively generous."
93 points, Vinous:
"The 2022 chardonnay has a nose demanding just a little coaxing from the glass, revealing tempting lemon thyme, hazelnut, and subtly smoky aromas. The palate is taut and fresh with a lovely, slightly waxy texture. The oak is nicely integrated, quite linear and tensile in style, with ample weight toward the poised finish. This is a classy chardonnay from Hamilton Russell."
"The 2022 chardonnay has a nose demanding just a little coaxing from the glass, revealing tempting lemon thyme, hazelnut, and subtly smoky aromas. The palate is taut and fresh with a lovely, slightly waxy texture. The oak is nicely integrated, quite linear and tensile in style, with ample weight toward the poised finish. This is a classy chardonnay from Hamilton Russell."
93 points, James Suckling:
"This has a lovely nose of cedar, grapefruit, lemon rind, apricot stones, and tarragon. Salted butter. It's medium- to full-bodied, deliciously saline and creamy, with a long and elegant finish. Drink or hold."
"This has a lovely nose of cedar, grapefruit, lemon rind, apricot stones, and tarragon. Salted butter. It's medium- to full-bodied, deliciously saline and creamy, with a long and elegant finish. Drink or hold."
Overall Impression:
The 2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay exemplifies modern South African elegance — fruit purity, restrained oak, and a deep mineral backbone. It’s layered yet taut, expressive yet precise, and will age beautifully over the next decade while offering grace in its youth.
The 2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay exemplifies modern South African elegance — fruit purity, restrained oak, and a deep mineral backbone. It’s layered yet taut, expressive yet precise, and will age beautifully over the next decade while offering grace in its youth.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.2%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, low-yield estate farming
Producer Name: Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: South Africa
Region: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay
Grape Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry white; mineral, elegant, and structured
Winemaking Techniques: Barrel fermentation followed by aging in new and seasoned oak barrels.
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard glass wine bottle
Closure Style: Cork
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