2014 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chardonnay has a very composed nose: hints of wild honey, citrus lemon, nutmeg and flint emerge from the glass, very nicely focused and gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is clean and fresh on the entry, superb volume in the mouth here with almond and coconut-tinged citrus fruit. I just appreciate the flow of this wine, the energy carried within and the precision on the finish. This is an outstanding Chardonnay from Hamilton-Russell.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Bright yellow-gold. Rich, musky peach, lime and clove aromas convey an impression of energy. Very dry and delineated, showing bracing limey acidity and captivating Burgundian nut oil and stone fruit flavors. Refined, light on its feet and very long but in need of at least a couple years in bottle to expand and express itself. Quite austere in the early going. This consistently excellent South African Chardonnay has a track record for aging.
Depth to the nose of this wine. Savour and one of the most burgundian of South Africa. Surely vine age plays a part here? Restraint but promise. Could withstand comparison with the rest of the world. Much more mineral than fruity. (JR)
"Bright yellow-gold. Rich, musky peach, lime and clove aromas convey an impression of energy. Very dry and delineated, showing bracing limey acidity and captivating Burgundian nut oil and stone fruit flavors. Refined, light on its feet and very long but in need of at least a couple years in bottle to expand and express itself. Quite austere in the early going. This consistently excellent South African Chardonnay has a track record for aging."