Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2023

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Hamilton Russell
Chardonnay 2023

Vintage : 2023
Country : South Africa
Region : Walker Bay
Subregion
Type : White
Style Creamy Full Bodied White
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 12,9°
Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

Experts		Score	Vintage
RP	Robert Parker	94	2022
JS	James Suckling	93	2022
TA	Tim Atkin	96	2021
DCT	Decanter	94	2021
VN	Vinous (Antonio Galloni)	91	2021
WE	Wine Enthusiast	90	2021
WS	Wine Spectator	92	2020
JD	Jeb Dunnuck	93	2017

More information on wine critics and ratings

Reviews
From the same producer

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2022)

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2022)

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.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 96 Points (2021)

Emul Ross describes the 2021 vintage in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as "exceptional" and this refined, focused Chardonnay proves his point. Aniseed and subtle gunflint notes segue into a balanced, focused palate, with 15% malolactic adding a little cream to the flavours of pear, citrus peel and lemon grass. Classy stuff. 2023-29 (9/2022)

Decanter (DCT) : 94 Points (2021)

A very successful wine this vintage, with its mineral notes and finesse illustrating the cooler character of the vintage. Saline and creamy on the palate with fine integration of oak, peach and pear fruit and an intriguing lime zest note, all kept fresh and focussed with lingering, cleansing acidity. Give this a couple of years and then enjoy. (AH) (3/2022)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 91 Points (2021)

The 2021 Chardonnay is 100% whole bunch pressed with an 80% wild ferment and nine months on the lees (27% new oak from François Frères). It has a very perfumed bouquet with honeysuckle, grapefruit and light wild honey scents that is nicely supported by the oak. The palate is crisp on the entry with fine acidity. There is a fine sharpness to this Chardonnay, a twist of sour lemon and orange rind towards the finish and a saline aftertaste. This is very promising. (NM) (8/2022)

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 90 Points (2021)

Aromas of cedar, butter and linden tea emerge from the glass. This is a Chardonnay from the cool climate Hemel-en-AardeValley. Bright acidity backs a creamy palate of lime, herbs and oak spices.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2020)

This white is racy up front, chiseling flavors of melon, nectarine and Mandarin orange into a linear frame, but then expanding on the palate, with lightly silky texture carrying the juicy fruit and expressive accents of pickled ginger, chopped hazelnut, lime blossom and smoke.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 93 Points (2017)

The 2017 Chardonnay is classy stuff all the way that's 100% varietal aged mostly in French oak, with small amounts brought up in foudre, ceramic eggs, and stainless steel. Orchard fruits, pineapple, and white flower notes all emerge from the glass. It's medium-bodied, beautifully textured, and seamless on the palate. With beautiful purity, vibrant, integrated acidity, and a great finish, it should keep for a decade or more.