Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
93
"The 2019 Chardonnay is whole-bunch-pressed and 93% barrel-fermented with 27% new oak. It has a clean, crisp bouquet of citrus fruit infused with smoke and hazelnut aromas, quite understated in style. The palate is well balanced, taut and linear, displaying fine acidity and gaining depth toward the persistent, saline finish. This is a superb Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell. Excellent." -Vinous
Robert Parker
RP
92
"Bursting from the glass with elegant oak tones, the 2019 Chardonnay effortlessly sashays out of the glass with sweet citrus aromas, spiced yellow apple, caramelized pears, cinnamon nutmeg and oatmeal cookie essence. Medium-bodied yet packed full of complexity and layers, the wine splashes down on the palate with finesse, precision and persistence. Still spritely and youthful, flavors of sweet citrus and pastry cream continue to somersault across the palate with elegant oak tones, lingering long on the evolving finish. Another stunning Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell Vineyards." -Robert Parker
Decanter
D
93
"A very fine Chardonnay produced in difficult circumstances given the fire/smoke issues in the Western Cape. Unlike the Pinot Noir, this has been produced with 100% estate fruit and is very successful. Bunches were pressed whole (rather than de-stemmed) to reduce any smoke taint risks. Very crisp on the palate with fine acidity and a touch of stoned fruit, this is concentrated, mineral and elegant. Very youthful, ideally give this another 12 months to blossom a bit more."
Wine Enthusiast
WE
93
"A beautiful wine from a great vintage, aromas of sea spray, apple flesh and a touch of melon form the delicate nose of this precise Chardonnay. The palate is light and somewhat linear on entry, but then waves of ripe, lightly toasted orchard fruit and mouthwatering acidity dance across the palate and into the bright, focused finish. This is a baby, so give it more time to truly shine."
