At Hamilton Russell Vineyards we only make two wines – no reserves, no second labels – so it is really important to us that our Estate Pinot noir and Estate Chardonnay are truly excellent and the very best we can make, year after year.
We are particularly proud of our current releases (the Pinot noir 2007 and the Chardonnay 2008) and we were extremely happy when our Pinot noir was named Wine of the Day in the US’s top wine magazine, the Wine Spectator for March 31st. This is from a possible field of many thousands of wines from all the major wine producing countries. Our Chardonnay was recently one of only five South African white wines to win a gold medal at the 2009 Santam Classic Trophy awards, where the exclusively “classically trained” French judges reward classic styling and the potential to age.
Having awarded our 2007 Pinot noir 93/100 (the highest score ever for a South African Pinot noir) Senior Editor James Molesworth wrote about the wine: “Bold, aromatic and ripe, but very elegant, with racy acidity providing the ground wire for the rich black cherry, bramble, incense and sweet earth notes, followed by a long, multifaceted finish.”
Having awarded our 2008 Chardonnay 92/100, influential US critic Steve Tanzer wrote about the wine: “like a hypothetical blend of Meursault and Chassagne. Densely packed, brisk and deep, with a lovely racy acidity and a rocky element giving a light touch and impressive energy to the flavours of citrus and stone fruits, nutmeg and minerals. Finishes very subtle and very long.”
Enjoy the wines and thank you from our team for your ongoing support!