Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2024

Subtle, fragrant, a delicate Chardonnay with lots of finesse on show. Tree-fruit characters, allied with crisp lemon/lime acidity, pronounced mineral notes on the long finish. This will need more time to fully meld but all the structure is undoubtedly there – just needs a bit of time for the flesh to cover the bones. The dramatic Cape Storm of 23/24 September drastically reduced yields (9.15hl.ha), with disease pressure an issue through to harvest. 100% fermented in 300L French oak with nine months maturation in barrel. Drinking window: 2027-2033. Score – 93. (Andy Howard, MW, decanter.com, June 17, 2025)