2012 TOP 50 WINES - Rank #24
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea - is located in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The Estate specializes in producing highly individual, terroir driven Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the best in the New World. The 2011 Chardonnay displays a beautiful golden color with aromas of ripe pear, citrus zest, peach, smoky minerality, honeysuckle and hints of well-integrated toasted oak. It has elegance and richness which is cut through with a focused beam of acidity. A very pretty wine that will rival chardonnay's anywhere on the globe at a fraction of the price. (Best 2012-2019) - October, 2012 (JD)