95 points Tim Atkin, MW: "(13.19%) Emul Ross describes the 2021 vintage in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as "exceptional" and this refined, focused Chardonnay proves his point. Aniseed and subtle gunflint notes segue into a balanced, focused palate, with 15% malolactic adding a little cream to the flavours of pear, citrus peel and lemon grass. Classy stuff. 2023-2029. (2022)"
94 points Andy Howard, MW (Decanter): "A very successful wine this vintage, with its mineral notes and finesse illustrating the cooler character of the vintage. Saline and creamy on the palate with fine integration of oak, peach and pear fruit and an intriguing lime zest note, all kept fresh and focussed with lingering, cleansing acidity. Give this a couple of years and then enjoy. Drinking Window: 2024-2030. (Mar 2022)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$49 list] An elegant white, fresh and focused, with deftly knit layers of ripe yellow plum and apple, salted Marcona almond, honeysuckle and verbena expanding on the palate and through the spice- and mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2028. (4/30/23)"
92 points James Suckling: "Inviting aromas of lemon peel, white peaches, sweet thyme and lavender. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Bright, expressive and a bit stony. Subtle tannins give lovely structure and length to the charming fresh fruit. Sustainable. Drink or hold. (12/11/22)"
91 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2021 Chardonnay is 100% whole bunch pressed with an 80% wild ferment and nine months on the lees (27% new oak from François Frères). It has a very perfumed bouquet with honeysuckle, grapefruit and light wild honey scents that is nicely supported by the oak. The palate is crisp on the entry with fine acidity. There is a fine sharpness to this Chardonnay, a twist of sour lemon and orange rind towards the finish and a saline aftertaste. This is very promising. Drink: 2024-2039. (Sep 2022)"
94 points Andy Howard, MW (Decanter): "A very successful wine this vintage, with its mineral notes and finesse illustrating the cooler character of the vintage. Saline and creamy on the palate with fine integration of oak, peach and pear fruit and an intriguing lime zest note, all kept fresh and focussed with lingering, cleansing acidity. Give this a couple of years and then enjoy. Drinking Window: 2024-2030. (Mar 2022)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$49 list] An elegant white, fresh and focused, with deftly knit layers of ripe yellow plum and apple, salted Marcona almond, honeysuckle and verbena expanding on the palate and through the spice- and mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2028. (4/30/23)"
92 points James Suckling: "Inviting aromas of lemon peel, white peaches, sweet thyme and lavender. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Bright, expressive and a bit stony. Subtle tannins give lovely structure and length to the charming fresh fruit. Sustainable. Drink or hold. (12/11/22)"
91 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2021 Chardonnay is 100% whole bunch pressed with an 80% wild ferment and nine months on the lees (27% new oak from François Frères). It has a very perfumed bouquet with honeysuckle, grapefruit and light wild honey scents that is nicely supported by the oak. The palate is crisp on the entry with fine acidity. There is a fine sharpness to this Chardonnay, a twist of sour lemon and orange rind towards the finish and a saline aftertaste. This is very promising. Drink: 2024-2039. (Sep 2022)"
| Product SKU | 343622 |
| Producer | Hamilton Russell |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| SubRegion | Walker Bay |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| ABV | 13.4% |
| Ships To |
