92POINTS
17/20
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaIf you know Anthony Hamilton Russel, you won't be surprised at how posh and stylish this Hemel-en-Aarde Valley chardonnay is. Their vineyards start at 1km from the ocean, and this is planted in stony, clay and shale soils. It was fermented in wood (94% barrel and 6% foudre), with about 25% new, and remained there 9 months. Very potent and textural, with pencil shavings, sharpened lemon, grapefruit pith, and pear skin, culminating with big flake salts on the finish. Drinking very well now in relative youth, but will shine in the next couple of years when it hits its stride. Tasted at i4c2024.Tasted: 02 August 2024Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:AB | $69.00 | 750ml | select private wine shops |
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 538280UPC: 00600252500022