Today we share on the premier producers in South Africa. Hamilton Russell is set in one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea Located in the maritime, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus, the house 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. The wines are very reminiscent of Burgundy in terms of nuance.
I adored the new 2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is nothing short of world-class in terms of tension, weight, length and stony/salty terroir. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the new release wines by Hamilton Russell.
2022 Ashbourne ‘Sandstone’ White Wine- A truly unique wine that saw extensive aging in Sandstone, the 2022 Ashbourne White Wine offers freshly cut grass and gooseberry notes on the nose alongside salted pear. The palate is a knockout in terms of texture and flavor density. A stunning wine with its oily texture and wonderful depth and length, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 94
2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay- A beautiful wine from 2022, the world-class Hamilton Russell Chardonnay comes from this step slight set on stony, clay-rich soils. This is rich and mineral-laden stuff that has gobs of salty character alongside bright Japanese pear, peach and suggestions of toasted hazelnut. Complex, elegant and highly refined, coming up very weightless, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 95
2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is a highly nuanced, stunning rendition of this wine winemaker Emul Ross. Sourced from their estate vineyards in Hemel-En-Aarde, this offers kumquat zest and black truffle crudo on the nose alongside shades of pomegranate seed and damp earth. The palate is laden with minerality, showing a smooth mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Enjoy this stunner now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 95
2022 Southern Right Pinotage- The 2022 Southern Right Pinotage delivers smoky minerals on the nose alongside wild blackberry and shades of peat moss on the nose. The palate is dense, chewy and full of finesse. Heady red and dark fruits greet you on the palate alongside the beautiful veil of tension. Showing outstanding weight and length, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 94