HamiltonRussellChardonnay

<p>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.</p><p>Harvest dates for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were almost uncannily in-line with 2021 and 2022 and our long-term average. But whereas Pinot noir experienced even and easy bud-break, Chardonnay suffered from fewer winter cold units (a particular susceptibility of the variety) and not only had uneven bud-break, but one of our lowest yields in 10 years. This required careful triage, generally three passes per vineyard. Natural acids were very good for both Pinot noir and Chardonnay. At 24.18 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2023 was one of our coolest years on record. Burgundy for the equivalent period has an average of 24.66 Centigrade. For those lucky enough to harvest before the substantial late season rains, 2023 produced vibrant, energetic but textured wines with wonderful natural acidity. An excellent result for a vintage that was not without its challenges.</p><p>Serve with poultry terrines and simple seafood such as roast seabass and crayfish tails with lemon and coriander. Ready to drink now but will improve with age.</p><p><em>“Ever the class act, Hamilton Russell’s Chardonnay is in a rich vein of form right now. Using only 5% malolactic because of the warmer year, this is fresh, layered and detailed, with perfumed 23% new wood, notes of brioche and lemon butter and a stylish, stony finish. Concentrated without being heavy in any way.”</em>95 points – Tim Atkin MW</p><p><em>“So if you’re interested in nabbing the finest Chardonnay and Pinot in all the Cape, then get your blooming skates on. And that’s no hyperbole: the 2021 HRV Chardonnay was named Chardonnay of the Year and awarded five stars in 2023 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide. The 2022 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay is a worthy successor to said wine, full of citrus, white peach and just a hint of buttery toast. It’s concentrated and restrained and while hard to resist now, it’ll blossom into something truly majestic.”</em>Jonathan Ray, The Spectator, March 2023</p>