Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 2023  
Amongst the finest South African Chardonnays, 100% barrel fermented (24% new oak) with 9 months in barrel. Stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil. Very low yield of only 14.8 hl/ha
 
"Graceful, flavoursome 2023 is poised on tightrope of pristine fruit vibrancy & oak-imparted cream & pastry richness. Textured, lipsmacking dry finish tilts the balance toward vivacity, with notes of tangy pomelo & wet stones. Bodes well for long ageing, like 2022 (4.5 stars, 94 pts). Wholebunch ferment with indigenous & wild yeast, 9 months on lees in barrel, 25% new, 40% through malo."
5* (95/100), Platter's Guide (South Africa), 2024