Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay

9.1412 ratings
9.188 pro ratings
Cape Point, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
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
Top Notes For
Lyn Farmer

A lovely melding of Old World finesse and New World exuberance. Green apple, pear, white peach, ripe lemon oil, flint, acacia, and the barest hint of toasted brioche. Mouth watering acidity but not at the expense of texture. Long, beautifully ripe finish. Stunning.

A lovely melding of Old World finesse and New World exuberance. Green apple, pear, white peach, ripe lemon oil, flint, acacia, and the barest hint of toasted brioche. Mouth watering acidity but not at the expense of texture. Long, beautifully ripe finish. Stunning.

Dec 3rd, 2022
Sipping Fine Wine

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with notes of floral, oak and baking spice. On the palate flavors of ripe apple, pear and citrus flavors, lively acidity, notes of cinnamon and oak. Long finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with a creamy mineral tang and nutty character. Nice but needs some time!

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with notes of floral, oak and baking spice. On the palate flavors of ripe apple, pear and citrus flavors, lively acidity, notes of cinnamon and oak. Long finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with a creamy mineral tang and nutty character. Nice but needs some time!

Nov 6th, 2022
Sipping Fine Wine

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with notes of oak and spice. On the palate flavors of apple, pear and citrus lime flavors, lively acidity, notes of cinnamon and oak. Medium+ finish is creamy with a nutty character, good mouthfeel ending with mineral tang. Nice now!

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with notes of oak and spice. On the palate flavors of apple, pear and citrus lime flavors, lively acidity, notes of cinnamon and oak. Medium+ finish is creamy with a nutty character, good mouthfeel ending with mineral tang. Nice now!

Nov 4th, 2022
Allison Lyzenga

Pale lemon; medium intensity aromas of lemon, lime, mineral, cedar, cream; dry, medium acid, medium alcohol, medium body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; round on palate, fresh but with creaminess from oak

Pale lemon; medium intensity aromas of lemon, lime, mineral, cedar, cream; dry, medium acid, medium alcohol, medium body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; round on palate, fresh but with creaminess from oak

Feb 20th, 2020
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.2

Happy #InternationalChardonnayDay everyone. Second wine after the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a delicious bottling from South Africa made by Hamilton Russel Vineyards. Medium pale yellow. Rich and layered nose with notes of honeysuckle, peaches, pineapple and light spices. Medium acidity (6.5/10) and medium bodied. Crisp lemon zest on the palate with granny smith apples, stone fruits and white flowers. Long finish. Drink till 2022.

Happy #InternationalChardonnayDay everyone. Second wine after the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a delicious bottling from South Africa made by Hamilton Russel Vineyards. Medium pale yellow. Rich and layered nose with notes of honeysuckle, peaches, pineapple and light spices. Medium acidity (6.5/10) and medium bodied. Crisp lemon zest on the palate with granny smith apples, stone fruits and white flowers. Long finish. Drink till 2022.

May 27th, 2019
Will Stanley

Truth be told, this wasn’t mind blowing. But it was absolutely textbook Chardonnay, and very well made. Some ageing potential, though drinking well now. Would definitely buy again - not for a special occasion, but for one that needed a bright, generous, oaky and reliable Chard. Perfect match for any rich seafood dishes.

Truth be told, this wasn’t mind blowing. But it was absolutely textbook Chardonnay, and very well made. Some ageing potential, though drinking well now. Would definitely buy again - not for a special occasion, but for one that needed a bright, generous, oaky and reliable Chard. Perfect match for any rich seafood dishes.

Jan 5th, 2019
Rubychick

The texture and acidity balance well to gift a buttery style with a botrytis(y) edge. Happy Thanksgiving ❤️

The texture and acidity balance well to gift a buttery style with a botrytis(y) edge. Happy Thanksgiving ❤️

Nov 25th, 2018
Meg Herring

Normally not a new world / oaked chard fan but this one was well integrated. Leaned tropical, and I got lots of salted butter. 🇿🇦

Normally not a new world / oaked chard fan but this one was well integrated. Leaned tropical, and I got lots of salted butter. 🇿🇦

May 18th, 2018
Christina Turley

Sales & Marketing Turley Wine Cellars

8.9

South African Chardonnay in a great, great way.

South African Chardonnay in a great, great way.

5 people found it helpfulJan 24th, 2013
Erin Socha

Perhaps the best Chardonnay for the money on earth.

Perhaps the best Chardonnay for the money on earth.

4 people found it helpfulJul 23rd, 2014