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A white wine from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley region in South Africa, crafted by Anthony Hamilton Russell, one of the most respected winemakers of the area. He is known for his ability to unite the freshness of the Atlantic Ocean, precise acidity, and delicate fruit expression into a seamless, harmonious style.
This wine is a unique blend of ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ and ‘Chardonnay’, reflecting the distinct terroir of Hemel-en-Aarde – sandy, stony soils and cool maritime breezes. It combines the freshness of the Loire Valley with the elegance of Burgundy, while maintaining a clearly South African identity.
On the nose, it opens with notes of lemon zest, white peach, and green apple, complemented by hints of acacia blossom, herbs, and wet stone. The aroma is subtle, lively, and precise, marked by a refined mineral purity.
On the palate, the wine is fresh, vibrant, and well-structured. The flavor balances citrus-driven energy with gentle fruitiness and chalky, saline minerality. The texture is soft and delicately creamy, leading to a long, clean, and elegant finish.
The grapes are grown in sandy and shale soils, only 3–5 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The cool climate and daily sea breezes allow the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their natural acidity and aromatic clarity.
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete tanks, with part of the wine aged in used oak barrels to gain additional depth and texture while maintaining its crisp freshness.
Serve at 8-10 °C with seafood, Cordon Bleu, fresh fruit-vegetable salad or grilled fish.
Nestled in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, near the ocean, Hamilton Russell Vineyards stands as one of the southernmost wine estates in Africa. Tim Hamilton Russell, after meticulously searching for the most southerly location capable of producing the finest cool-climate South African wines from various noble varieties, acquired an undeveloped 180-hectare property in 1975. His son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, who took over management in 1991, narrowed the focus to ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Chardonnay’ and officially registered Hamilton Russell Vineyards. Today, Anthony, along with his wife Olive, winemaker Emul Ross, and viticulturist Johan Montgomery, are fully dedicated to expressing the unique terroir of the Hamilton Russell Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in their wines. Due to low yields and high global demand, these wines are rare but undoubtedly represent some of the finest examples of South African ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’.
Wine Style
Hamilton Russell Vineyards wines are characterized by their elegance, subtlety, and excellent reflection of the cool climate and unique terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Prestigious Vineyards
At Hamilton Russell Vineyards, the primary focus is on ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’, which have adapted exceptionally well to the cool climate and unique soils of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure low yields and the highest quality of grapes. Anthony Hamilton Russell and his team firmly believe that this is the only way to fully express the terroir’s uniqueness in every bottle of wine.
Aging and Consumption Period
Hamilton Russell Vineyards wines are crafted to age and develop over time. The ‘Chardonnay’ is often aged in French oak barrels, while the ‘Pinot Noir’ also spends time in oak, gaining further complexity and elegance. While these wines can be enjoyed in their youth, their true potential unfolds after several years of bottle aging.
