Friends, we make a long journey across the Atlantic to the beautiful coast of South Africa today. As one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea, Hamilton Russell winery is located in cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The winery focuses on producing limited amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Anthony Hamilton Russell took over from the founder, Tim Hamilton Russell, in 1991, and bought the property from the family in 1994. Tim originally purchased the undeveloped 170 hectare property in 1975, searching for a great site to make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Vines are set on stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil which create lovely earthy and terroir-driven wines. Their new releases were really outstanding.
One of the best South African Chardonnay wines that I have sampled this year, the 2018 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay (WWB, 93) is an incredible effort with seriously good range of flavors and aromatics. I was blown away with the 2018 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which has wonderful ripeness, with tons of minerality and earthy tones. These are beautiful wines that any serious collector of new world wines would absolutely love. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the beautiful new release wines by Hamilton Russell.
2018 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay- Sourced from their estate vineyards set on stone and clay, the 2018 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay opens with aromas of Pink Lady apple with shades of marzipan and wild mushroom that mingle nicely on the nose. The palate is viscous and rich, showing a wonderful combination of richness and tension once on the mouth. With a silky texture, the wine unveils copious orchard fruit, baking spice and earthy flavors that collide with the bright sense of salinity and minerality. While fantastic now, this will only get better with some time in the cellar. Drink 2019-2029- 93
2018 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir- The 2018 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir is a stunning new release from this storied estate. This translucent Pinot Noir opens with really good range on the nose from salted Marcona almond to cloves and bright red fruits that dance with orange zest on the nose. The palate delivers wonderful freshness and salinity, yielding guava, strawberry and orange rind flavors that connect with minerals and earthy undertones. Every bit outstanding, this will evolve well for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 93