2024 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Fermented and aged for nine months in French oak (28% new). Spicy oak, viscous texture and toffee-apple fruit, with relatively modest acid. Full and fleshy without being unbalanced, although the oak scent is certainly overt. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2024 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay shows a pretty combination of orchard fruit and subtle tropical notes underscored by a clear line of salinity that carries through an energetic, mid-weight texture. The wine is 100% barrel-aged in a mix of new and neutral François Frères oak, a regimen that adds quiet structure without obscuring detail. Sourced from low-yielding vines rooted in Bokkeveld shale, the maritime influence of the nearby South Atlantic contributes a taut mineral edge and natural freshness to the finish. A total of 35,340 bottles were produced.
The 2024 Chardonnay, which is barrel fermented and stays on the gross lees for nine months, offers yellow plum and honeysuckle scents on the nose, fine purity and well-defined, a little more composure compared to the previous vintage. The palate is well balanced with a twist of sour lemon on the entry, mixed with lime and orange rind. Fine focus on the finish.