2024 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay Magnum

history of Hamilton Russell Vineyards and the owners

In 1975, Tim Hamilton Russell acquired a vast estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. In 1991, his son Anthony took over, and from 1994 onwards, he focused the estate entirely on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Since then, Anthony, oenologist Emul Ross, and viticulturist Johan Montgomery have managed estate-wide sustainable viticulture, with all grapes sourced from their own vineyards.

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley region and climate

The vineyards are situated close to the Atlantic coast, with a temperate maritime climate characterized by cool sea influences and minimal temperature fluctuations. The soil is stony, rich in shale and clay, with limited water retention. This combination promotes slow ripening, intensity, and refined minerality in the grapes.

the wine range and style of the house

Hamilton Russell Vineyards limits production to two top wines: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Chardonnay series has become world-famous as a benchmark; crisp, mineral, complex, and ripe without losing the finesse of the fruit. The style includes variants from crisp to oak-aged, always with a focus on terroir.

grapes, harvest and vinification

This edition is 100% Chardonnay from our own low-yield vineyards (approx. 2.3 tonnes/ha). Due to a cold winter, the harvest was carried out manually using three passes. The grapes were gently pressed; the must fermented and aged for nine months in French oak (300-liter barrels, 24% new, the remainder in second and third fills), using fine yeasts (lees) for extra body. The alcohol content is approximately 13.2%, the acidity over 6 g/l, pH 3.45. This is a 1.5-liter magnum in OWC/1.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2023 Chardonnay

In the glass, the wine displays a pale golden color with an attractive clarity. The nose combines green apple, lime, pear, and subtle brioche notes with a chalky minerality. On the palate, it is dry, taut, and intense, with lively acidity, a texture-rich body from lees aging, and a long, mineral finish.

What makes this Chardonnay special

• The combination of cool coastal influences and soil structure results in pure minerality.

• Low yields reinforce concentration and complexity.

• Nine months of aging in French oak with carefully selected wood usage bring together finesse and structure.

• Perfect balance between citrus fruit, texture, and length; a Chardonnay that charms now but will also last for years.

Order wines from Hamilton Russell Vineyards online?

All wines from Hamilton Russell Vineyards are ready for pickup in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. Select 'Pickup' to see an attractive discount immediately on the checkout page. Our location in Dordrecht, near the A16, offers ample parking. Click here for our address. The full reviews by international wine journalists such as Parker, Suckling, and Vinous are freely accessible via the links next to the image on our website. Do you need help choosing the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier Service – free for Grandcruwijnen customers.

Food and wine pairings with 2023 Chardonnay

• Pan-fried scallops with lemon cream sauce and parsley
  The creamy sauce supports the acidity, while the lemon freshness of the wine performs alongside the subtle seafood.

• Grilled chicken breast with tarragon and celeriac purée
  The herbs are accentuated by the dry, mineral structure; the puree lends softness to the wine.

• Ravioli with pumpkin and sage butter
  Pumpkin provides a gentle sweetness, sage adds complexity; the wine intervenes via acidity and mineral tension.

• Grilled langoustines with lime butter sauce
  The briny body of the shellfish complements the maritime minerality, while the butter and lime provide freshness.

• Mushroom risotto with Parmesan cheese
  The earthiness of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the cheese are enhanced by the structure and length of the wine.

• Grilled vegetables (asparagus, zucchini) with goat cheese and fresh herbs
  The combination of fresh vegetables and soft cheese complements the citrus notes, texture, and body of the wine.