I love balance in wines from South Africa. A winery that truly focuses on balance and terroir, Hamilton Russell is one of the premier producers of Burgundian varietals in South Africa. 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.
I adored the new 2020 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is slightly on the fleshier style for them but still shows vibrant acidity and amazing terroir. I adore this wine and it’ll cellar well for another decade or more. Just as good is the sensational 2020 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which reminds me of a warm vintage in Beaune. This wine too has some massive cellaring potential. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the new release wines by Hamilton Russell.
2020 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay- Anthony Hamilton Russell has told me several times how he loves Burgundy wines with balance that are not overly oaked. This wine literally screams terroir with salty diatomaceous earth aromatics with wet granite, and lighter orchard fruit aromas that take shape in the glass. The palate shows good richness and a silky texture with gobs of acidity and beautiful length. This is up there with the finest Chardonnay I have tasted from South Africa. Drink 2021-2035- 94
2020 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir- The 2020 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is a beautiful, terroir-driven wine by the talented winemaker Emul Ross. Sourced from estate vineyards from Hemel-En-Aarde, vines are set on stony, clay slopes. Once on the nose this takes on highly Burgundian tones of peat moss and wild mushroom alongside blood orange zest and flinty undertones. The palate is very generously textured and seamless with a beautiful air of elegance, as this effortlessly glides across the drinking experience. A thrill to enjoy even so young, this has at least another fifteen years ahead of it. But why wait? Drink 2021-2035- 94