Critics Ratings

2009 - 'Finely fruited 2009, showing more lime, grapefruit than tropical character. Green-edged and savoury flavours comfortably carry oak: barrel fermented, 8.5 months, third new. Just 13% alc.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2011, 4.5*

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

Provenance

Private Client