2013 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is in the cool, maritime appellation of Hemel-en-Arde, nestled behind a historic fishing village off the southern tip of South Africa. The estate was founded in 1975 by Tim Hamilton Russell, who bought nearly 450 acres. In 1994 Russell’s son Anthony Hamilton Russell purchased the property and decided to focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today there are 125 vineyard acres dedicated to low-yield production of Burgundian style wines. Wine Spectator has written that Hamilton Russell Vineyards “has become a flag bearer for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from South Africa.”

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.