Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Ashbourne Sandstone Walker Bay Chardonnay Blend

9.040 ratings
9.017 pro ratings
Walker Bay , Cape South Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces, Tomato-Based, Goat & Feta Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Salads & Greens, Fruit Desserts, Blue Cheese
Top Notes For
Allison Lyzenga

Pale gold, almost clear; medium plus intensity aromas of citrus, blossom, flinty mineral; off-dry, medium acid, medium alcohol, medium plus body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; long finish, very round and soft

Pale gold, almost clear; medium plus intensity aromas of citrus, blossom, flinty mineral; off-dry, medium acid, medium alcohol, medium plus body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; long finish, very round and soft

Feb 20th, 2020
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Our second stop in Hemel-en-Aarde (an hour SE of Stellenbosch) was Hamilton Russell; which also makes this Ashbourne line of wines. This is the wine Anthony Hamilton Russell greeted us with when we arrived.

I didn’t takes notes on this visit. It just never seemed appropriate during visit. Anthony was a treasure trove of wine knowledge, not only on his Terroir but, South Africa in general.

I would say this blend of; Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was quite good. The fruit sees the warmth during the day but cools down in the evening as it’s not far from the coast. It’s fermented in all neutral wood and has a gentle 13% ABV. All of which, are right in my wheelhouse in terms of how I prefer my whites.

This was our last visit in South Africa and probably our overall favorite. It was a combination of the area, their wines, Anthony’s passion & knowledge of his Terroir and the amazing lunch they prepared for our at their house. It was hands down the best meal we had on our trip.

Photos of; Hamilton Russell Vineyard, one of the soil structures that vary site to site around their Estate and a long shot of the property with Anthony & Olives house up on the hill.

Our second stop in Hemel-en-Aarde (an hour SE of Stellenbosch) was Hamilton Russell; which also makes this Ashbourne line of wines. This is the wine Anthony Hamilton Russell greeted us with when we arrived.

I didn’t takes notes on this visit. It just never seemed appropriate during visit. Anthony was a treasure trove of wine knowledge, not only on his Terroir but, South Africa in general.

I would say this blend of; Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was quite good. The fruit sees the warmth during the day but cools down in the evening as it’s not far from the coast. It’s fermented in all neutral wood and has a gentle 13% ABV. All of which, are right in my wheelhouse in terms of how I prefer my whites.

This was our last visit in South Africa and probably our overall favorite. It was a combination of the area, their wines, Anthony’s passion & knowledge of his Terroir and the amazing lunch they prepared for our at their house. It was hands down the best meal we had on our trip.

Photos of; Hamilton Russell Vineyard, one of the soil structures that vary site to site around their Estate and a long shot of the property with Anthony & Olives house up on the hill.

May 18th, 2019
Paul Masson

I’d rather lose the SB jalapeño notes, but this has the bones to tie it all together. Plenty of verve at ten years, if not the most harmonious blend. Truly original

I’d rather lose the SB jalapeño notes, but this has the bones to tie it all together. Plenty of verve at ten years, if not the most harmonious blend. Truly original

Jun 8th, 2018
April Yap-Hennig

Wine writer SacredDrop.com

9.0

Pate with a pineapple jam with a chard finish...2008 interesting blend for a cool climate. Dry white wine, refreshing finish.

Pate with a pineapple jam with a chard finish...2008 interesting blend for a cool climate. Dry white wine, refreshing finish.

Apr 21st, 2016
Mike Dombrow

Buyer Sunfish Cellars

9.2

Wonderful. Bright acids with honeyed orange peel and grassy highlights.

Wonderful. Bright acids with honeyed orange peel and grassy highlights.

Mar 31st, 2015
Michael Shearin

2008 vintage

2008 vintage

Mar 22nd, 2015
Stephen Little

07 heavy white wine, balanced by bright fruit. #shiftwine

07 heavy white wine, balanced by bright fruit. #shiftwine

Mar 7th, 2015
Justin Chin

Really rustic in style. Under ripe stone fruit, chamomile, and lots of herbaceous notes or bell pepper and jalapeño.

Really rustic in style. Under ripe stone fruit, chamomile, and lots of herbaceous notes or bell pepper and jalapeño.

Sep 24th, 2014
John Riddick

Weighty white blend from South Africa! Lots of ripe righteous lemon and lees. Great texture!

Weighty white blend from South Africa! Lots of ripe righteous lemon and lees. Great texture!

Sep 5th, 2014
Sue Mohle

VB

Aug 17th, 2014