Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2025 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 95/100

Subtle, fragrant, a delicate Chardonnay with lots of finesse on show. Tree-fruit characters, allied with crisp lemon/lime acidity, pronounced mineral notes on the long finish. This will need more time to fully meld but all the structure is undoubtedly there - just needs a bit of time for the flesh to cover the bones. The dramatic Cape Storm of 23/24 September drastically reduced yields (9.15hl.ha), with disease pressure an issue through to harvest. 100% fermented in 300L French oak with nine months maturation in barrel. Drinking window: 2027-2033. (Andy Howard, MW,decanter.com,June 17, 2025) MINE: Hamilton Russell Chardonnay is delicate yet layered, framing orchard-pear and honeysuckle perfume with lemon-lime vigor and a stony, mineral-etched finish. Excellent with pan-seared halibut or roasted root vegetables. NEW: Hamilton Russell farms the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, one of South Africa's coolest and most Burgundian sites for Chardonnay. White nectarine and a note of toasted hazelnut come through first, a creamy texture underneath. Delicate yet layered, the structure is still coming together. Pour it with prawn bisque or a cheese fondue.

Chardonnay food pairings: prawn bisque, chicken breast, frittata, cheese fondue, turkey.

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Natalie MacLean reviewed this Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2025 for the Vintages release of December 5, 2026.

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.