Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Ashbourne Sandstone Walker Bay Chardonnay Blend

9.01 ratings
9.01 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
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