Chardonnay 2020

HAMILTON RUSSELL VINEYARDS

Chardonnay
2020

  • Vegan
Country
South Africa
Regulated designation
Wine of origin (WO)
Region
Western Cape
Subregion
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Varietal(s)
Chardonnay 100 %
Alcohol percentage
12.9%
Colour
White
Sugar
Dry
Sugar content
2.2 g/l
Aging vessel type
French oak
Length of aging
9 months
Total acidity
6.9 g/l
PH
3.45
Producer's website

About this winery

Hamilton Russell Vineyards – one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea – pioneered viticulture and winemaking in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The Estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the finest in the New World. Owner, Anthony Hamilton Russell took...

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Product notes

A standout feature of the 2020 vintage was phenolic ripeness at lower alcohol than usual, combined with low sugar to alcohol conversions for the fermentations. A highly positive situation. Yields were, as always, very low. Pinot noir came in at 3.32 tons/ha (21,5 hl/ha) and Chardonnay came in even lower at 2.68 tons/ha (16.9 hl/ha). The wines have a marked elegance, mineral purity and saline quality. A very exciting outcome despite weather challenges.

Tasting notes

A tight, minerally wine with classic Hamilton Russell Vineyards length and complexity. Unusually 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.

Press reviews

James Suckling

- 92 points -

(Vintage 2020)

This has a vibrant nose of jasmine, grapefruit zest, sliced pear, buttered toast and smoked almonds. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity. Bright, zesty and spicy. Pretty almond notes on the finish. Drink now.

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Vinous

- 90 points -

Neal Martin, (Vintage 2020)

The 2020 Chardonnay has a light bouquet with touches of honeysuckle and jasmine, well defined but in need of a little more presence. The palate is fresh and vibrant with fine acidity, quite zen-like, and steely and saline toward the finish. This is a much leaner style of Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell and I appreciate that, though I must confess that I found myself wishing for more extract, something for my senses to cling on to.

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