
We have been drinking the wines from Hamilton Russell for over a decade, and they are consistently some of the best examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the southern hemisphere. The Chardonnay has been a go-to for us, and 2022 is another fantastic example from Hamilton Russel and the basis for one of the best Chardonnays they have ever made. Hamilton Russell Vineyards is one of South Africa’s most esteemed producers. Established in 1975 in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, it offers world-class quality at a fraction of the price of a white Burgundy. Crafted from 52 hectares of low-vigor, clay-rich soils, the wine undergoes fermentation and aging in French oak barrels (20–30% new), emphasizing site-specific expression with minimal intervention. The 2022 vintage showcases vibrant acidity, balanced ripeness, and a refined complexity, delivering a precise blend of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle oak, with a textured, mineral-driven finish. A longstanding favorite of Envoyer, it appeals to both old-world enthusiasts with its elegance and new-world lovers with its approachable fruit. Older vintages have proven the wine’s age-worthiness, and thanks to South Africa’s favorable currency, it remains an exceptional value.
2022 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay Eta Late Jan/Early Feb
2022 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay Eta Late Jan/Early Feb
We have been drinking the wines from Hamilton Russell for over a decade, and they are consistently some of the best examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the southern hemisphere. The Chardonnay has been a go-to for us, and 2022 is another fantastic example from Hamilton Russel and the basis for one of the best Chardonnays they have ever made. Hamilton Russell Vineyards is one of South Africa’s most esteemed producers. Established in 1975 in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, it offers world-class quality at a fraction of the price of a white Burgundy. Crafted from 52 hectares of low-vigor, clay-rich soils, the wine undergoes fermentation and aging in French oak barrels (20–30% new), emphasizing site-specific expression with minimal intervention. The 2022 vintage showcases vibrant acidity, balanced ripeness, and a refined complexity, delivering a precise blend of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle oak, with a textured, mineral-driven finish. A longstanding favorite of Envoyer, it appeals to both old-world enthusiasts with its elegance and new-world lovers with its approachable fruit. Older vintages have proven the wine’s age-worthiness, and thanks to South Africa’s favorable currency, it remains an exceptional value.