The Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2023 is a poised, mineral-driven expression of Hemel-en-Aarde’s cool maritime terroir. From one of the smallest Chardonnay crops in a decade, the fruit’s intensity shines through in this beautifully balanced wine. Aromas of pear, lime, apricot, and spiced apple mingle with notes of crushed oyster shell, cedar, and subtle nuttiness. The palate is precise and vibrant, framed by focused acidity and a long, saline finish. Elegant yet powerful, this Burgundian-style Chardonnay showcases the hallmark tension and complexity that define Hamilton Russell’s coastal vineyards.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Mar 5, 2024
Drink: 2024-2033

A challenging cool vintage produced one of the lowest Chardonnay yields in 10 years, however the small quantity of fruit was high quality, lending this wine the trademark Hamilton Russell focused acidity and signature line of minerality. Fermented in French oak and aged for nine months in a mix of new and old barrels, this has creamy citrus aromas, layered with pear, bright lime and nutty hints. Poised and precise palate; textured with generous silky ripeness to the citrus fruit. Already layered and complex, but with more to come, this is a beautiful Burgundian style, for a fraction of the price of Burgundy.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 13.00%
Body: Medium
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Jun 05, 2025
Drink: 2024-2032

The Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2023 Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Chardonnay is made with pressed whole clusters. The juice is settled overnight and starts a wild ferment (to dryness) in barrel. It matures in oak for 10 months, with minimum stirring of the lees. This vintage saw 30% malolactic fermentation. Secondary fermentation is vintage specific, and some years it doesn't happen at all. This mineral-driven Chardonnay offers a drying signature of crushed oyster shell that folds softly into tropical fruits and pineapple. The mouthfeel is brimming with tension and energy. Acidity and minerality make this a distinctively marine Chardonnay.

Founded in 1975 by advertising executive Tim Hamilton Russell, this is a leading estate in the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. In 1991, son Anthony Hamilton Russell took over the estate and streamlined the portfolio to focus primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Hamilton Russell Vineyards is located a mere 1.5 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, and the property is heavy influenced by cooling maritime weather.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Aug 09, 2024

An elegant chardonnay that has aromas of fresh apricots, spiced apples, sourdough, licorice and cedar. It’s medium- to full-bodied, deliciously spicy and toasty, with bright acidity and a long, pristine finish. Drink now or hold.

Hamiltonrussellvineyards.com

A tight, mineral wine with classic Hamilton Russell Vineyards length and complexity. 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.

Soil: Low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil
Alcohol: 12.90% Acid: 6.90 g/l pH: 3.45 Residual Sugar: 2.20 g/l
Barrel Ageing: 9 Months
Wooding: 100% 228 liter French Oak Barrels Barrel Fermentation: 95% Foudre: 5% Tight Grain: 100%
1st fill: 24% 2nd fill: 23% 3rd fill: 36% 4th fill: 17%
Blonde Toast: 48% Medium Toast: 46% Medium Long Toast: 6%
French Coopers: Francois Freres 100%
Yield: 2.68 tons/ha, 16.9 hl/ha Production: 4293 cases of 12 bottles equivalent
Vegan Friendly