Subtle, fragrant, a delicate Chardonnay with lots of finesse on show. Tree-fruit characters, allied with crisp lemon/lime acidity, pronounced mineral notes on the long finish. This will need more time to fully meld but all the structure is undoubtedly there - just needs a bit of time for the flesh to cover the bones.

Yields were very low on the 2024 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, producing an unusually
concentrated wine. Benefitting from the contribution of four different clones, it's a rich, still youthful white with spice, vanilla-scented 28% new oak, flavours of tangerine, peach and
citrus zest and top notes of honeysuckle and saffron.

There is just something about Hemel-en-Aarde and also even the style of a Hamilton Russell chardonnay that seems akin to or at least shares some affinity with a most modernist take of present day Premier Cru Chablis. Consider Montée de Tonnerre with its intensity, powerful restraint and unbridled salty-mineral emotion. Now consider this 2024 Hamilton Russell chardonnay with similar if not the uncanny reprint of that blueprint. Then again we’ve seen and tasted many vintages of this top South African wine and the complete truth is witnessed in how consistent and constant it acts while being only what it can be. Often a great notion from the Valley, abiding to place and generous as ever.

After a musty start, with aeration this chardonnay from Hemel-en-Aarde pioneer Hamilton Russell emerges from its shell to reveal subtle, cool citrus fruit aromatics, white stones and sweet green herbs and gentle lees, tarragon and licorice that comfortably numbs the palate. Acids are bright, zesty, ripe but structure-providing, while length and depth are excellent. I'd see this again in another 2-3 years minimum, or cellar without concern into the mid-thirties considering the estate's track record.