2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Just starting to drink now. Has good flesh and texture. Plenty of depth here. Crisp acidity, elegant, a fine combination of purity, structure and length. Should develop into an exceptional wine given a bit of time in the cellar. Following one of the wettest winters in 24 years, flowering took place in good conditions. Yields were relatively generous at 23.2hl/ha. Matured for 9 months in 228L barrels (56%), 300L barrels (48%) and 4% foudre.

Opening to a nose of bright lemon and peach yogurt with hints of banana, the 2022 Chardonnay is fresh and citrus-laden. Medium-bodied and with 13.2% alcohol, the palate is fresh, balanced and spicy with succulent apple essence before swinging to show an elegant floral notion that finishes fresh and complex. This Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged in 23% new French oak. Give it a try!

This has a lovely nose of cedar, grapefruit, lemon rind, apricot stones and tarragon. Salted butter. It's medium- to full-bodied, deliciously saline and creamy, with a long and elegant finish. Drink or hold. Review Date: October 2023

"The 2022 Chardonnay is matured nine months in 300-liter French oak barrels, 24% new. It has a backward nose demanding just a little coaxing from the glass, revealing tempting lemon thyme, hazelnut and subtly smoky aromas. The palate is taut and fresh with a lovely, slightly waxy texture. The oak is nicely integrated, quite linear and tensile in style, with ample weight toward the poised finish. This is a classy Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell. 13.3% alcohol. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2042" - Neal Martin Review Date: August 2023