Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2024 is one of South Africa's benchmark Chardonnays, crafted in the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates exceptional freshness and elegance. Made from 100% Chardonnay and matured for nine months in French oak barrels, it displays vibrant aromas of pear, green apple, grapefruit, lime, and citrus blossom, complemented by subtle notes of buttered toast, cedar, and a distinctive mineral character. The palate is beautifully textured yet precise, with bright natural acidity, refined oak integration, and a long, saline finish. Elegant, complex, and age-worthy, this Chardonnay is a superb expression of its unique maritime terroir and will continue to develop beautifully over the next decade.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Feb 27, 2026
Drink: 2026-2035

The Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2024 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay shows a pretty combination of orchard fruit and subtle tropical notes underscored by a clear line of salinity that carries through an energetic, mid-weight texture. The wine is 100% barrel-aged in a mix of new and neutral François Frères oak, a regimen that adds quiet structure without obscuring detail. Sourced from low-yielding vines rooted in Bokkeveld shale, the maritime influence of the nearby South Atlantic contributes a taut mineral edge and natural freshness to the finish. A total of 35,340 bottles were produced.

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is one of South Africa’s most distinctive cool-climate estates, covering 172 hectares of striking property just inland from Walker Bay, with 52 hectares planted to vines on ancient, low-vigor soils. The maritime climate defines the style, with some vineyards planted just 1,500 meters from the cold Atlantic Ocean, imparting the chiseled tension and natural freshness that are hallmarks of the wines. The estate produces only two wines, a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir, allowing the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir to speak with clarity.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Sep 25, 2025

Grapefruit, cedar, buttered toast and green apple on the nose of this cool, creamy white. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a gentle toastiness. Bright, minerally finish. Delicious now.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Mar 5, 2025
Drink: 2027-2033

Subtle, fragrant, a delicate Chardonnay with lots of finesse on show. Tree-fruit characters, allied with crisp lemon/lime acidity, pronounced mineral notes on the long finish. This will need more time to fully meld but all the structure is undoubtedly there – just needs a bit of time for the flesh to cover the bones. The dramatic Cape Storm of 23/24 September drastically reduced yields (9.15hl.ha), with disease pressure an issue through to harvest. 100% fermented in 300L French oak with nine months maturation in barrel.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 12.90%
Body: Medium
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Vivino | Vivino 4.2

A tight, minerally wine with classic Hamilton Russell Vineyards length and complexity. A prominent core of intense pear fruit aromas and flavours is brought beautifully into focus by a tight line of natural acid and a dry minerality. An elegant, yet textured and intense wine with a strong personality of both place and vintage.

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