Chardonnay

Flaky White Fish, Olive Oil, Basil, Rocket, Lemon Cream Sauce, Avocado, Prawns, Crayfish.

The timing of our 2022 harvest was similar to 2021, but a touch later than average, and our average of the maximum temperatures for the 4 crucial months leading up to and during harvest was 25.18 centigrade, higher than our long-term average of 24.63 centigrade and higher than 2021. While ripening was slow and extended, harvest was fortunately complete before the first rains in early March. The preceding Winter was our wettest in 24 years and was followed by a slightly wetter than average bud break to veraison period, but with an unusually (and usefully) dry September facilitating healthy, even budding. Apart from cold, wet, early season clay-rich soils inhibiting shoot growth, and a few late season heat spikes creating the potential for sunburn, the vintage proceeded smoothly and delivered beautiful, pure, generously textured wines. Yields, as always, were low, with Chardonnay coming in at 3,87t/ha (24hl/ha) and Pinot noir at 2,49t/ha (16,18hl/ha).

Barrel Ageing: 9 months. 1st fill: 23% 2nd fill: 17% 3rd fill: 17% 4th fill: 43%. Barrel Fermentation, 56% 228 litre, 40% 300 litre French Oak Barrels. Foudre: 4%

Hamilton Russell Vineyards – one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea – pioneered viticulture and winemaking in the beautiful cool maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The Estate specialises in producing highly individual terroir driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the finest in the New World.