Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011
Editor Rating
- Rated 4 stars
- Excellent
$33
- Hemel-en-Aarde WO
- Reviewed by: Evan Saviolidis
- Published on: September 6, 2013
- Last modified: September 6, 2013
Review Summary:
Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven on Earth) is a cool-climate enclave in the Western Cape region. The combination of cool influence and 9 months of oak aging has helped to produce an elegant Chard with a deep yellow colour and a bouquet of pineapple, spice, buttered popcorn, spice and peach compote. Full malolactic was done, so the palate is creamy, with added nuances of apple and citrus. Drink over the next 3 years. As a side note, while rating this wine, I received news that Tim Hamilton Russell, the man who pioneered the first plantings and winery (namesake) in Hemel-en-Aarde, had passed away. He was a true visionary and a staunch advocate of South Africa’s transformation from a quantity-based industry to quality. RIP.