Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2025

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2025 is a world-class South African Chardonnay from the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Known for its purity, minerality and elegance, this vintage combines vibrant fruit, textured complexity and exceptional balance in one of South Africa’s most iconic Chardonnay styles.

Product Story

Produced exclusively from estate-grown vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this Chardonnay reflects Hamilton Russell Vineyards’ dedication to terroir-driven winemaking.

The grapes are sourced from low-vigour, stony, clay-rich and shale-derived soils that naturally limit yields and enhance concentration. Fermentation took place in 300-litre French oak barrels, followed by nine months of barrel ageing.

A carefully balanced oak regime — including first, second, third fill and older barrels from renowned French cooper François Frères — contributes texture and complexity while preserving freshness and mineral precision.

The outstanding 2025 growing season delivered wines with remarkable purity of fruit, bright natural acidity and depth without excess, making it one of the estate’s finest vintages to date.

Tasting Notes

This Chardonnay displays unusually prominent aromas and flavours of pear and lime supported by a tight line of bright natural acidity.

The palate is elegant yet intense, combining textured richness with a long, dry mineral finish that reflects both the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir and the exceptional 2025 vintage.

Style: Mineral, elegant and textured
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13.60%
pH: 3.38
Total acidity: 6.30 g/l
Residual sugar: 2.60 g/l
Barrel ageing: 9 months in French oak barrels
Production: 3,902 cases
Origin: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Release date: March 2026
Serving temperature: 10–12°C

Food Pairing

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay pairs beautifully with lobster, grilled seafood, roast chicken and creamy risotto dishes. Its mineral freshness and structure also complement shellfish, poultry and refined Mediterranean cuisine exceptionally well.

Origin: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus is internationally recognised as one of South Africa’s premier cool-climate wine regions. Strong maritime influences and clay-rich soils create ideal conditions for Chardonnay with elegance, natural acidity and distinctive minerality.

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is globally respected for producing benchmark South African Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with strong site expression and age-worthy structure.

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