Hamilton Russell Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

2024 is a vintage born out of violence, a 'once in many lifetimes' storm which tore through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley at the end of September 2023. The scars are still visible a year later on the mountain slopes, and the road up from Hermanus, partly washed away, was still in the process of being repaired when we visited last week. The storm struck just as the Chardonnay vines were flowering, and the wind and rain caused damage in the vineyards and severely reduced yields.

The resulting wines, however, are beautiful. The Chardonnay is flinty and high-energy with rich pomelo and citrus notes, impressively concentrated - unsurprising, considering the unconomical yields of 9.15 hectalitres per hectare (for context, 20hl/ha is considered a mediocre yield for Burgundy Grand Cru). The Pinot Noir embodies the aristocratic style of Hamilton Russell, elegant and lifted, building with air into a savoury, dark-fruited delight which will age beautifully. The ambience of tasting in the dark barrel cellar, surrounded by the slumbering 2025 vintage, certainly didn't hurt!

Now that these are landed in the UK, we are very pleased to be able to offer them as a mixed case, with money off and free delivery, so you can try them for yourself. /JH

Offered subject to remaining unsold, available immediately. To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998

Hamilton Russell Mixed Case
6x75cl
£225 case inc duty and VAT
Saving £33.70 including free delivery

Contains three bottles of each of the following wines:

2024 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay

'Yields were very low on the 2024 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, producing an unusually concentrated wine. Benefitting from the contribution of four different clones, it`s a rich, still youthful white with spice, vanilla-scented 28% new oak, flavours of tangerine, peach and citrus zest and top notes of honeysuckle and saffron.'

94 points, Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, SA Special Report 2025

2024 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir

'Continuing the move towards great elegance in the Hamilton Russell Pinot Noirs, despite the very low yields of the 2024 vintage, this is a scented, stylish cuvée of clones 113, 115 and 667 from Emul Ross. Perfumed, textured and comparatively approachable, it has scented 32% new wood, pomegranate and black cherry flavours, savoury tannins and impressive palate length.'

95 points, Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, SA Special Report 2025