Burgundy & Champagne

Live Virtual Auction, 25 July 2021

Please note that sales of all lots are subject to our amended General Conditions of Business and will not be available for collection until after the Lockdown Regulations allow the transport and sale of alcohol. Sales, transfer of ownership and collection of all wine lots will be deferred until the sale of alcohol is allowed. Please refer to clause 6.7 of the General Conditions of Business in this regard.

Burgundy & Champagne

Sold for

ZAR 5 277
Lot 90
  • Hamilton Russell Vineyards; Chardonnay Vertical; 2010 - 2015; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 5 500 - 7 500
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 5 277

About this Item

Chardonnay Vertical, 2010 - 2015
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

Located behind the old fishing village of Hermanus, is one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa, Hamilton Russell. The estate was purchased in 1975 by Tim Hamilton Russell and in 1991 his son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, took over and immediately narrowed their range down to only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This proved to be a masterstroke and made the Hemel-en-Aarde valley notorious for producing the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in South Africa and a recognised expression outside of Burgundy.

Critics Ratings

2010 - ‘Outstanding barrel-fermented version, consistently among SA’s best. 2010 slowly unveils its charms: creamy lime/lemon notes give way to spicier cardamom, fenugreek and fennel. Pure fruit, taut acidity meld with tempered oak tannins, controlled savoury finish. Will please for many years.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2012, 4.5*

‘Lush and inviting, with layers of fig, persimmon, mango and creamed Jonagold apple fruit, all supported by finely beaded acidity that lends definition and length to the finish. More cut and length than just weight in the end.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Apr 2012)

2011 - ‘Always among SA’s best. Stately barrel-fermented 2011, 30th vintage, so tightly wound, precise & pure it almost defies description. Perfectly judged oak embraces citrus fruit and pinpoint acidity, extending to a mineral finish. Only 13% alcohol, with 10+ years ahead.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2013, 5*

‘This white cuts a bold swath, delivering flavors of dried Jonagold apple, fig, creamed pear, hazelnut and persimmon. Creamy and lush, held together by a finely beaded spine of acidity, with strong minerality kicking in on the lengthy finish. Showy and suave, yet balanced.’ - James Molesworth, WIne Spectator, 93/100 (Jun 2013)

2012 - ‘Perennial star in SA’s Chardonnay firmament, always paying homage to Montrachet with its sleek lines, layered complexity. Poised 2012 is a worthy follow-up to the stately 2011. Taut and pure, with deft oak framing lime-lemon fruit. 7% fermented in clay amphoras and in tank. Will richly reward cellaring.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 5*

‘Tightly wound, this exhibits a serious core of glazed pear, fig, apple, plantain and brioche notes, lined with mineral and honeysuckle hints and accented by nicely beaded acidity. This should be a beauty when it unwinds fully.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Jul 2013)

2013 - ‘Long-established, consistently ageworthy SA classic, notable for taut structure, minerality, subtle lime and oatmeal complexity. Supremely elegant 2013 tantalises with all these, even in youth. As with the 2012 (5 stars) and previous vintages, age will deliver even more complexity and satisfaction.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*

‘Gorgeous, with Jonagold apple and white peach fruit at the core, flanked by mirabelle plum, honeysuckle and heather notes. The long finish ripples with minerality as the fruit drapes beautifully. Should cellar well.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Nov 2014)

2014 - The 2014 was Hannes Storm’s swansong vintage, chosen by Christian Eedes of SA’s Winemag as the Best White Wine in South Africa, SA Luxury White Taste-off 2015.

“The latest in a string of hugely impressive Chardonnay releases from Hamilton Russell, this is a little richer and more exotic in style than the 2013, with some peach and gala melon notes that segue into a spicy, honeyed yet beautifully balanced finish. As good as the 2011, possibly even better. Drink: 2015-22” - Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2015, 95/100

2015 - ‘Subtle differences see 2015 a tad richer, more open initially than usual in this SA classic’s youth; limy vivacity, oatmeal layers more recognisable traits. Partial oaking (33% new) allows tension and tautness to maintain their roles on lingering conclusion.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 5*

‘Why change a winning formula? Emul Ross’s first vintage at Hamilton Russell continues the stellar work of his predecessors with Chardonnay. Leesy, spicy, yet focused, this is a beautifully balanced organic wine with mealy undertones and layer upon layer of complexity. The oak is appealingly understated.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 95/100

‘Ripe and rippling with tension, featuring Jonagold apple, white peach, mirabelle plum and honeysuckle notes coiled at the core. Accents of heather and hazelnut extend slowly through the citrus oil– and mineral-edged finish.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Sept 2016)

Provenance

Private Client

View all Hamilton Russell Vineyards lots for sale in this auction


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