HamiltonRussellChardonnay2023

<p>Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 2023Amongst the finest South African Chardonnays, 100% barrel fermented (24% new oak) with 9 months in barrel. Stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil. Very low yield of only 14.8 hl/haProducer Note: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.Critics’ Tasting Notes:”Pale gold. Light, restrained nose suggests a nice, long life for this satin-textured wine. Well-mannered and creamy with strong green-fruit flavours. Just a baby now but with some richness already. An undertow and persistence. This should cellar well. Such bright fruit!” Drink 2024-203217+/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, June 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”93/100 points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, November 2024″Graceful, flavoursome 2023 is poised on tightrope of pristine fruit vibrancy & oak-imparted cream & pastry richness. Textured, lipsmacking dry finish tilts the balance toward vivacity, with notes of tangy pomelo & wet stones. Bodes well for long ageing, like 2022 (4.5 stars, 94 pts). Wholebunch ferment with indigenous & wild yeast, 9 months on lees in barrel, 25% new, 40% through malo.”5* (95/100), Platter’s Guide (South Africa), 2024″Hamilton Russell’s excellent Chardonnay has been a benchmark for as long as I can remember, a Cape calling card for the variety on international markets. This is typically intense, complex and layered, with notes of buttered croissant, stone fruit and honey, well-judged underlying freshness and acidity and stylishly handled 24% new wood.” Drink 2024-203095/100 points, Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report, 2024Food Match: Creamy Cape Malay chicken curry, Weskus (West Coast) mussel pot, Braaied mealies (grilled corn on the cob)Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 2023</p>